Friday Open Thread
What's on your mind?
Tuesday Open Thread
The speaker list is up for the Board meeting tomorrow; not as packed as I thought with just four people on the waitlist. The majority of the speakers are speaking on high school boundaries (with several wanting to talk about Ballard High). There are only three of us speaking about the Green Dot resolution asking the City to not grant the zoning departures that Green Dot has requested. It's me, long-time watchdog, Chris Jackins, and the head of the Washington State Charter Schools Association, Patrick D'Amelio. (I knew Mr. D'Amelio when he headed the Alliance for Education and Big Brothers and Big Sisters; he's a stand-up guy.)
Comments
I could go on and on here...but in the interest of space, I'll just say THANK YOU!
Grateful SPS parent
You are totally correct. Last night I also watched as awards were handed out to students who have done amazing things with the support of their teachers, support staff, and Administrators. The Garfield High School Class of 2016 Senior Celebration and Awards Night Program was again extremely impressive. From the "Against the Odds" award to the "Department Awards" to the "Academic and Administration Honor Awards" there were so many students recognized and celebrated. We cannot or must not give up on public education or our educators or our students.
We can and must give up on the policies that prevent students from succeeding.
Please remember the work some of these admins do and don't let the mistakes and issues of a few cloud the good work of others. They work very hard for your children.
1. Those mistakes are very large.
2. There are more than a few.
3. Those mistakes are repeated month after month, year after year.
4. Many people don't agree with your assessments of principles.
I do like hearing success stories too.
SPS Parent2
That is the difference in private schools. Sure some have shinier toys, but they didn't always.
Teachers are often paid less than in publc schools, and some of the best are not even certificated, but they also may have fewer kids per week, and they have more control over the curriculum and day to day instruction.
If we have made informed decisions hiring our staff, they should be plenty capable to evaluate their students progress and adapt curriculum to classroom needs without the bulk of current mandated testing.
What would the impact be if we threw out the most time consumng and least helpful testing and used the money to make up whatever we would be out from the state, but gave the time back to the teachers?
http://www.wallyhood.org/2016/06/armed-person-wallingford-playfield/#gsc.tab=0
Marmauset
The school has some challenges for sure, like too many civil rights complaints, repeated IDEA violations, chronic absenteeism and a larger than average drop out rate.
The IB program elevates the schools ranking from needs major intervention (failing) to meeting expectations.
Form the outside it seems like JSCEE has abandoned Ingraham to focus more on the South end schools.
Thanks for all you do in spite of the district.
Ingraham
Certainly one teacher at one school is not proof of anything, but the private schools and their methods are not a panacea. The BEST student my kid ever had was in an overcrowded public school. There's no one answer.
Momof3
The problems with the district is the fiefdoms, the politics and the overall lack of genuine communication, inter and intra district. This enables and encourages the problems that have pervaded over decades.
Denial is not just a river in Egypt.
- Old Timer
SPS Parent 2, the only "principle" (sic) that Anon assessed was his or her own spouse. But you have the gall to say you know better than Anon about his or her own spouse's work ethic and dedication to the children she serves. You must know a lot more about this person than her spouse does. Please cite your evidence that led you to disagree with her assessment.
Nothing will ever persistently improve if people can't accept and reinforce the positives directions of the district and their allies within the system.
NP
Same old same old, it's our way or the hiway. Again it's all subjective, one person positive is another persons negative.
Please enlighten us with your evidence of the district's positive directions and what do you mean by "allies within the system. "
Waiting
So much for positive threads.
Fire all the admins is the best solution I guess because clearly they ALL are terrible.
Back to your regularly schedule vitriol.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the results were very negative towards both the central administration and principals.
SPS Parent2
The Board is then having a closed meeting immediately after the Operations Committee meeting on Thursday from 6:30-7:30 pm. The topic of the meeting has not been disclosed.
Interesting
We had staffing issues last fall that were a challenge for a few weeks but were resolved with people who worked in the central office who he said were very helpful in problem solving a situation that could not have been predicted.
I have a nephew who has been able to access world class musical opportunities as a student in the district.
A fellow parent who is part of a minority immigrant community that has felt very voiceless in our society and school district was just telling me about how people from the central office have been meeting with a group she belongs to and she feels like people are listening and responding to them for the first time.
But hey, I am sure you will be at the front of the line to tell me that my own experiences and opinions are invalid because they don't fit your black and white view of the district.
SPS Parent 2 - So if there was such an opinion poll (I didn't read about it but I will take your on it that something like that exists), how would that give you cause to disagree with Anon's observations of his or her spouse? How would you presume to know anything about this individual?
NP
-New Mom
It all depends on the perspective.
For some, a great school is all about test scores.
For others, its about the community.
Others look for diversity.
Still others are looking for alternative schools.
One person's idea of great may be another person's idea of crap.
A school that worked well for one family may be another family's worst experience ever.
Visit schools, visit programs, see what you like, see where you feel comfortable, see where you feel welcome.
Start with your neighborhood school.
CT
But your neighborhood school has something unique- a walkable community of your neighbors- so it is a good place to start.
-sleeper
RCW 42.30.140
I agree that the neighborhood school is a great place to start, but I'm actually in a bit of a unique situation - since I'm expecting another child, our apartment will eventually be too small - not immediately, but we'll have to move within the next few years. So a world of options are open, even Eastside, though we're not anxious to get out of Seattle. There doesn't appear to be anything bigger than two-bedroom in my neighborhood, so I'm starting from scratch, even though we've lived here happily for several years.
-New Mom
Do you know which neighborhood or region you're interested in? I think people would be more likely to share if you could narrow it down a bit. Are you looking to rent a three bedroom apartment or a house?
If either parent works on the east side I would look at Bellevue schools.
We're out of the downtown/SLU area. We'd probably prefer an apartment - we're not handy - but we're open to houses, since three bedroom apartments seem to be rare. I tend to prefer newer construction, since, again, not that handy.
We've really enjoyed living downtown - we don't even own a car - but we know having two kids will mean changes and, again, there just doesn't seem to be anything that fits us, so we're willing to consider the east side, though man, talk about changes.
-New Mom
I'm a high school teacher over in Redmond right now, but I have a couple of years worth of experience in SPS as well. My son graduated from Ingraham last year with an IB diploma and after a year to catch his breath is heading off to Evergreen this fall. My daughter, also at IHS, has elected to go the Running Start route, starting next year. Both kids were products of what was called the "alternative schools" pathway, which are now called "option schools", and I'm a big fan. In this district, I'm most familiar with the central to north-end schools, and I have a lot of admiration for both Hazel Wolf K-8 (moving into their new building this Fall, right? Or is it Fall 2017?) and tiny but potent Licton Springs K-8, moving into the Licton Springs schools the year after that. Smallish classes, broad-ranging curriculum, lotsa teacher autonomy, happy challenged kids. I've done a little sub work at Orca K-8 and liked it a lot as well, and of course NOVA is a great option high school.
I really don't know the elementary schools over in Lake Washington SD, which spans Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish. So far as I can tell, all the high schools range from good to amazing, and all the teachers I've met at my own school (Redmond HS) are almost absurdly dedicated to the job. Actually, the same thing is true at every school I've taught at, mostly at Roosevelt and Ingraham. Very dedicated teachers, and administrators who do their best to provide a bulwark between downtown's heavy-handedness and the work that needs to happen in the classroom. You'll notice as you read this blog that the vast majority of complaints are about "downtown", and not particular teachers and schools (there are exceptions, of course); really, I think on balance the local schools are pretty good. Feel free to email directly if you have questions I can answer: josh dot hayes at q dot com. Best of luck.
The hope that wells up in me when I see them head off into life is a feeling like no other. It's why I do this job, and why I plan to keep doing it until they make me stop. I am so proud of what those kids have done, and I am thrilled when I think about all they WILL do. What a joyous time of year this is.
But, if any of A and N's teachers (TOPS 1999-2012, RHS 2008-2012, IHS 20012-2016) are reading, please know that I am very aware that you helped make them into the truly wonderful young adults that they are and contributed to that in a way that their dad and I never could have.
Thank you.
Manfred III
No worries. I found her after and I got my hug. I am already missing her and all of her friends who I had the chance to teach over the past four years. They ate lunch outside my room every day and use my microwave to heat lunch up.
It is true that IB exam costs are borne by families of IB students, but FRL eligible students are not charged for exams and other students who are in need can have the costs covered by a private foundation established by the family of an IHS IB alum who died soon after graduation.
IB classes are open to any student who wants to sign up.
I think my kid did get a great education through IB, but it isn't for everyone. I didn't consider it for my older child.
(That's so cool that you cheered every kid at RHS! You rock.)
Have a great summer!
As for the cheering, I'll be at Ingraham's graduation next year for THAT batch of kids I taught. I'll be the one cheering like a maniac. You can't miss me.
Friends, it's okay to acknowledge flaws, and things that are going wrong, but come on. A relentless determination to see the cloud behind every silver lining saps life of any chance at joy. Worry, but not too worried. Vigilance, but not too vigilant. Moderation in all things, friends.
( I attended LWHS & B.ES.T, and before that Rose Hill & Ben Franklin elementary, during its first two years. That was a good school, albeit we did not have a gym or cafeteria while I was there. ( or an art/music room, or a full time librarian...) even though it was before IDEA, the principal drove me and another student to the district headquarters for testing, although I dont know what results were. There was no enrichment or special assistance in those days. Or parent volunteers that I can remember actually. Teachers really had their hands full.
You have my awe & appreciation, Josh, as do all teachers who are active advocates for their students.
Evergreen was my oldests top choice while she was growing up, we know quite a few very successful grads and know they have some wonderful instructors.
( she actually ended up at Reed college that is similar in a lot of ways, but it has a bit more structure, which she decided she wanted. But I still wear my Evergreen sweatshirt that I bought during a visit- I hesitate to mention Reed because it is very expensive, but at the time, our cost was similar to Evergreen as they meet full need)
My husband & I lived in Bellevue when our oldest was born, although we both worked in Seattle and we wanted to lessen commute time.
If your child doesnt have special needs, and you have time and energy to be involved in their school, I would say chose where you want to live & work, rather than by the neighborhood school.
But if they do have special needs, my sister is OK with Bellevue, although she did homeschool at least one of her kids for a while. ( she has five, youngest is still in elementary)
I don't mean to be too negative, and I do think it is possible to get a great education in Seattle (as you can see we have some wonderfully dedicated teachers!), and there are many great people working very hard to make sure every child in Seattle is able to. But it's a little tougher, and relies on considerably more luck.
-sleeper
Gray Daze
You're describing the experience of my child who is highly gifted and has special needs. I don't think the clouds are evenly distributed.
If it helps, he's transferring from out-of-state. At his old private school (religious), PE was optional (and he didn't take it in 9th grade). He'd like to take music and a language if at all possible and get a PE waiver.
Thanks!
New Here
There is a district policy, but in my experience each school does things a little differently. Most, I believe, require the waiver to be earned during the school year. Some schools will give an academic waiver if all periods are used for academics or music. Some schools will count marching band. I would call the school to ask.
-HS Parent
http://www.allcityband.org/registration/
(starts next week)
-parent
I'll call the school directly since there was nothing on their website.
New Here
Stiill was time consuming( although she would have been on the teams anyway), but it freed up a slot for academics.
Not cool
HP