Friday Open Thread
The big news is that the City of Seattle announced three new homeless encampments to be established in early 2017 and one of them is right by the Wilson-Pacific complex that will be home to Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, Licton Springs K-8 and Cascadia Elementary. The location is 8620 Nesbit Avenue North and it will have up to 50 tiny homes, serving 60-70 people (Nesbit is one block east of Aurora.) The other new encampments are down in Georgetown and White Center. (The one in White Center will also be near an elementary school but with enough distance that it's not the issue that Wilson-Pacific campus is.)
I think we can all agree that the homeless crisis in Seattle is a major issue. But I am shocked the City would choose a location in an area that is already problematic AND has so many school children nearby. As I previously reported, RESMS planning principal Marni Campbell announced at a community meeting this week that the City is giving the district $1M grant to improve safety in that area. Well, this would appear to be one reason why that happened.
The district tweeted out a story from Mind/Shift from KQED about West Seattle High School and a program to reach students who may learn in different ways.
Hey DFER (Democrats for Education Reform) WA is looking for a new director. Just to note, DFER has endorsed the nomination of Betsy DeVos for Education secretary in the Trump administration while simultaneously criticizing Trump. It does not mention DeVos love of vouchers but supports her love of charter schools. From Diane Ravitch:
Need to do some holiday shopping? The Stranger has a great list of fairs/shops to buy locally made gifts.
There are no director community meetings tomorrow as the Board has a retreat at JSCEE from 10 am-3 pm. The agenda reflects discussion around the following:
- the 2017-2018bbudget (recap of discussion and/or decisions - if any- to date), compilation of recommendations from stakeholders and staff, discussion of additional/new information, recommendations and consensus for pessimistic and optimistic budget scenarios
- eliminating opportunity gaps
- discussion of work of Community Engagement Task Force
- assignment of Board Committee assignment preferences (the Board will be voting in new officers soon)
Based on the worrisome budget next year, I think I may be buying this holiday gift for the Board and Superintendent.
What's on your mind?
I think we can all agree that the homeless crisis in Seattle is a major issue. But I am shocked the City would choose a location in an area that is already problematic AND has so many school children nearby. As I previously reported, RESMS planning principal Marni Campbell announced at a community meeting this week that the City is giving the district $1M grant to improve safety in that area. Well, this would appear to be one reason why that happened.
The district tweeted out a story from Mind/Shift from KQED about West Seattle High School and a program to reach students who may learn in different ways.
“How do we make the system fit the child instead of trying to make the kid fit the system?” she asked. Teachers at her school are exploring this question in a variety of ways, including through a pilot advisory-type program that began with a cohort of 25 tenth graders.As I tweeted back to the district, this is great but how come they didn't announce this themselves?
Hey DFER (Democrats for Education Reform) WA is looking for a new director. Just to note, DFER has endorsed the nomination of Betsy DeVos for Education secretary in the Trump administration while simultaneously criticizing Trump. It does not mention DeVos love of vouchers but supports her love of charter schools. From Diane Ravitch:
The reformers are in a pickle. They can’t claim fealty to Trump, because they pretend to be Democrats. But Trump has embraced the reformer agenda, lock, stock and barrel. This statement is one way of handling their dilemma: embrace DeVos–a figure who finances the far-right and wants completely unregulated, unaccountable choice, and simultaneously chide Trump for his hateful rhetoric. Pretend to be Democrats while saluting her.Not so coincidentally, DeVos gave money to DFER. From ed blogger, Mercedes Schneider:
Well, because DFER already has a relationship with both a DeVos’ nonprofit as well as a DeVos-chaired nonprofit– a financial relationship.There is a meeting tomorrow about Robert Eagle Staff Middle School at Northgate Elementary from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
Need to do some holiday shopping? The Stranger has a great list of fairs/shops to buy locally made gifts.
There are no director community meetings tomorrow as the Board has a retreat at JSCEE from 10 am-3 pm. The agenda reflects discussion around the following:
- the 2017-2018bbudget (recap of discussion and/or decisions - if any- to date), compilation of recommendations from stakeholders and staff, discussion of additional/new information, recommendations and consensus for pessimistic and optimistic budget scenarios
- eliminating opportunity gaps
- discussion of work of Community Engagement Task Force
- assignment of Board Committee assignment preferences (the Board will be voting in new officers soon)
Based on the worrisome budget next year, I think I may be buying this holiday gift for the Board and Superintendent.
What's on your mind?
Comments
What is going on in this city!
Dumbfounded
"The Licton Springs site will have minimal entry requirements in order to better serve people suffering from substance-abuse disorders and behavioral disorders, Murray’s office said."
So, not only is it a homeless encampment, which maybe I could live with if it was actually managed properly, as NESeattleMom indicates, but would be the only one that would be open to substance-abusers and those with behavioral disorders. So they are essentially placing a location that will certainly have illegal drug use (no matter how well managed) this close to a school--The NE corner of the property is less than 1000 feet away from the Eagle Staff, 1000 feet being the required distance for Marijuana dispensaries (which are legal!). And that's not even to mention that what comes with a population that is dependent on illegal drug use is the means to obtain such drugs--which would certainly be happening at least in part off site--the city is essentially dropping a drug market (not that it perhaps isn't already there, but certainly making it worse) on the door step of its brand new middle school.
Maybe I'm overreacting, but I really don't think so. This is a major health and safety risk to our students and the community, and $1M cannot make this safety risk go away.
Fed Up
Most of the inhabitants of these camps are beggars/scavengers and will no problem approaching students and asking for money.
There's dumb and then there's Seattle dumb.
Dumbfounded
Fix AL
HP
What a mess, just wait and see!
--another parent
-a reader
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I was very wary of the location of that school in the first place. I, personally, disagree with the city tacitly allowing the illegal activities that go on up and down Aurora, including right there a block from Wilson Pacific. I think there are a lot of dangerous people doing business on Aurora. They may be different than the people who will occupy an encampment. If they do allow drug use and drug addiction people there, and they don't have strict policies of behavior, then the city is really crazy, in my opinion, and is putting our middle schoolers at risk. One of the risks, in my opinion, is the access to drugs. At Ballard High School a couple of years ago, there was a guy selling to the high schoolers on 15th NW, two blocks from the school. There, I think a neighbor tipped off the police. But on Aurora, I don't think anyone would notice anything.
wondering
-sleeper
The plan for 2017-18 continues most of the assignment rules in effect during 2016-17, but some highlights and changes are:
Opening Cedar Park Elementary, Meany Middle, and Robert Eagle Staff Middle (attendance area) schools;
Truncating grades at Madrona - this school would become a K-5 instead of a K-8;
Establishing a GeoZone for Licton Springs K-8;
Modifying Highly Capable Cohort pathways;
Adding Chief Sealth as the southeast dual language immersion pathway high school;
Removing conflicting assignment guarantees for new to the district 6th-8th grade students;
Moving the date when waitlists are dissolved from August 15 to August 31; and
Updating school and program names and locations.
Careless Reckless
iglock
SSS
They are also proposing to change Nova from an option school to a service school designation. I think this is so kids can enter year-round, and not just during open enrollment.
-North-end Mom
I have no sympathy for people who profit off non-essential recreational activities when they are so many who have to do without a roof over their head.
__CheckYourSnowWhitePrivilege
Get real
A social service delivery point nearby might serve to draw some activity away from new school and give school admins a close-by partner to work with.
greenlakeparent
Sexual Harassment: Not in Our School! -- an online video and action plan -- came out this week. Has a Seattle history. Many national legal and education experts interviewed by a high school club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z9d7gnEuxI
They suggest group viewing with a presentation guide ssais.org/video . It's for middle and high school students and K-12 parents. The credits list funding from American Association of University Women community grant.
middle school aunt
Map of HCC density (Gr 1-5):
http://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/Enrollment%20Planning/Maps/datamaps/2016-17/HCC/HCC_enrolled_1-5.pdf
-a reader
According to 2015-16 data, the Eckstein area had 270 HCC students 1-5, and the Hamilton/Whitman/Jane Addams service areas had 371 HCC students 1-5. Numbers are likely much higher this year and will be even higher in 2017-18 and beyond. The boundaries of Eckstein will be changing in 2017-18, and it's not clear how much that will impact HCC numbers at Decatur.
-a reader
-a reader
Families in the JAMS area (only a few blocks away) will be shocked when they find out that they will be bussed to Cascadia, not Decatur. Additionally, families in the Greenlake area, may be equally surprised to be bussed to Decatur when Cascadia is nearby.
- bad planning
DisAPPointed
Don't worry, there will apparently be a lot of extra room at Whitman Middle School. So if kids want to be unsquished, I guess the families just have to move closer to the sound?
a reader
-sleeper
What about a version that assumes rising 8th graders get grandfathered? And a version based on Whitman students of any grade level being able to stay there if they want?
They make all these plans and promises and suggestions and options, yet never seem to have any clue how they'll play out. Given all that's under consideration, what is the likely enrollment at each of these middle schools this fall?
DisAPPointed
-North-end Mom
"At last night’s SAP community meeting at Ingraham, Enrollment Director Ashley Davies promised to daylight the underlying numbers comprising the 666 projection for Eagle Staff in 2017. She said they could make it available — probably on the SPS website — in the next few days. She said the 666 includes an HCC projection of 296. So that leaves 370 to be explained"
It sounds like all Whitman students who want to stay at Whitman will be able to - which isn't really a geo-split. If they don't grandfather the incoming 8th graders from Hamilton they'll be the only 8th graders at REMS, which is concerning. If I'm remembering correctly from watching the last board meeting, it's 70 HCC 8th graders that would be moved from Hamilton. No confidence they will be able to offer a comparable social experience & peer group (much less appropriate language, music, sports) with so few 8th graders.
The staff has slipped in a change to the HCC pathway for West Seattle students requiring them to attend Madison rather than Washington. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere before today. There are not two full classes of HCC students in any grade when you combine Denny and Madison. This isn't a sufficient cohort and will require either mixed grade classes in ELA, social studies and science or blended classes with Spectrum students. Neither meets the requirements of the board policy and the superintendent's procedure.
On the idea of requiring 8th graders to stay, there are both mitigation and programmatic costs to opening new middle schools without enough students. There are also additional transportation costs to sending HCC students out of the same neighborhoods to two different middle schools, to sending grandfathered REMA-area students back to Whitman, and additional financial and programmatic costs for ramping up 8th grade hiring and a jump in school population the second year. The long-term impact of a slow start for the new middle schools--as opposed to a full startup with all 3 grades from the first year, with all the dollars, staffing, parents energy, and strong start of robust programs that follow--are also being ignored.
I agree that the establishment of any middle school site for HCC without a sufficient cohort to start is not a good idea, whether that be Madison or REMS.
Fireside
Whitman parents are wondering why Scott Pinkham isn't listening to the desires of parents and students in the NW corner of the district and fighting for them on this issue. He could be, but there is no visibility.
Parents are going to demand that all current transportation routes remain in place for Whitman until 2019-2020 school year.
I don't think the district needs another fight, but so be it.
Whitman parent
I agree with Lynn. The geosplit from HIMS to JAMS was extremely difficult for the 8th graders. There were many issues with matriculation for HCC students and a budget cut despite promises. Many issues were mitigated by a site based decision from the principal. She had to utilize her professional development and supply budget to make very small math, foreign language and other classes happen in a 40% free and reduced lunch school! Who knows if these same issues will be handled the same at Eaglestaff. If I was an HCC parent of an 8th grader I would demand grandfathering for all 8th graders.
-NE parent
Another NW. I agree. Another good point on why those 70 HIMS HCC 8th graders should be grandfathered. They should open Eaglestaff as a 6th and 7th grade roll up.
-NT
-NT
However, as Scott Morrow of SHARE has a poor rep, it doesnt bode well.
http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/as-former-nickelsville-site-gets-cleared-homeless-and-their-providers-face-off/
From wiki.
"The incorporation of LIHI as an organization in 1991 resulted from the leadership of three founding board members: Frank Chopp of the Fremont Public Association, Michael Reichert of Catholic Community Services, and Scott Morrow of SHARE. LIHI filled a void in the community for creating self-management and developing innovative housing solutions.
The Fremont Public Association merged its Housing Development Department with LIHI in 1994 to create a dedicated housing development and management organization. LIHI became an affiliated program of FPA, and Sharon Lee was named the Executive Director."
LetUsStay
"What happens to the REMS 7th graders who would have accessed higher level classes with the 8th graders if there are no 8th graders?"
-----------
Also, NT said: "They should open Eaglestaff as a 6th and 7th grade roll up” and "The 70 HCC kids would also be in different core classes” However:
As stated at the Nov 16 board meeting, the number of 8th graders reassigned next year to REMS would be 113 from Hamilton (73 of those HCC), and 11 from Eckstein and 9 from JAMS (some if not most of those HCC), and 102 from Whitman (though some Whitman families will likely opt back into Whitman, especially some who live in Greenwood).
Foreign language, math, and music classes are a mixture of grades, meaning it’s better to have more kids to populate classes at all levels, and justify hiring full-time teachers. Whitman has full-year language classes in 7th and 8th grades. And the core academic HCC classes would include more students than just the HCC students moving from Hamilton, as noted above.
Parent energy would be best spent trying to make the new school the best it can be, rather than various groups trying to keeping their own kids from having to move, and undermining the new school's success in the process. It’s a downward spiral the district has started by making an opt-back promise to Whitman families and considering grandfathering 8th graders. The school board decision to start JAMS as a fully-enrolled comprehensive middle school from day 1 is looking wiser and wiser by the day.
Fireside
No, I don't think the district is planning to move to a 7-period high school day next year. It doesn't sound like they are making any effort to deal with the new 24-credit requirement this coming year. I heard from a teacher that maybe the district will implement changes for the following year, or the year after that. Since current 8th graders are first group to be hit with this new requirement, if the district delays things several years this cohort will really feel the squeeze. There won't be much wiggle room to fail classes, and students will need full schedules--which many schools have had trouble providing due to overcrowding. Things could get ugly.
The 24-credit task force actually recommended moving to a 3x5 schedule ( three trimesters of five periods) instead of a 7-period day, but it's a poorly thought out recommendation. There was a lot of discussion here when the report and recommendations came out, so you might want to look for that. A 3x5 schedule doesn't seem to be feasible for IB programs, and it creates a ton of problems for AP classes, too (e.g., if they are only 2 terms they have significantly reduced hours to cover the material, which means increased homework loads, classes ending before the exam studying, etc., but if they are 3 terms much of the term occurs after all the material and the AP exam, and students who take AP classes are essentially penalized because these classes take up more of theoretical credit options than similar 2-term versions.) It's worth thinking about how your son's schedule might play out under the various schemes, as it looks like taking two music classes and a foreign language won't be possible unless he does some classes outside of HS. Music classes are ikely to be a particular challenge under a 3x5 schedule, since they would probably be year-long.
It's all quite messy, and the district is being slow (or secretive) in its planning efforts. The problems with the 3x5 schedule were immediately apparent to many of us, but the task force had apparently not bothered to look very deeply. (They did mention there needed to be research into the feasibly of that approach--but why recommend it if before that?)
Good luck with high school. This cohort may be in for an extra bumpy ride!
Reality bites
I completely agree with you - BUT since the Whitman students have already been given essentially across the board grandfathering the wheel is in motion to start a 6th/7th grade roll-up. I was on board to put my energy towards the new school if ALL kids were being moved via a geo-split. I was at HIMS during the JAMS split and it was a true geo-split from the start. However, since the 102 from Whitman aren't coming that changes things for everyone.
I am going to the Eaglestaff planning meeting today because if my 8th grader gets moved there - I will put all my energy into making it the best for everyone. I have heard the planning meetings haven't been well attended and that makes sense with all the uncertainty but doesn't make for a good start either. More clarity, earlier decisions would have helped.
It's moronic for the district to expect no resistance when it's asking for many children to attend 3 different schools in 3 years.
We are willing to sue the district if they try and force the move.
I have asked the Seattle police dept for the crime activity report for the RESMS area and I try and post the data once received, but when speaking with the community service officer he commented the area is not safe for children now and will only become worst with the inclusion of a homeless camp.
The good news is there will be plenty of classroom space available at Whitman and it would take a major change in behavior by the district to deny families Whitman as a school choice.
If the district acts arbitrary and capricious come February we will be prepared.
Stay Whitman
In my area of instruction (science) this is definitely going to be an issue, for the reasons you enumerate above: it's already quite difficult to cover AP curriculum with the current 6x2 modified block structure (for instance, AP Chemistry is apparently brutally fast) and will be well-nigh impossible in two trimesters, each of which gives up about 6 hours of instructional time compared to the comparable semester model. Moreover, we're trying to align our standard course sequence to the NGSS, which is, um... "interesting", I guess.... and losing that instructional time is very hard to accommodate at the same time as hitting those standards.
It's the collision between the top-down Core-24 demand and the bottom-up insistence that we maximize graduation rates -- so what do we do? We redefine what a "credit" is. Does that serve our students' needs? That's really the question we all have to answer - and this may also be coming down the pike for SPS as well (my kids will both have exited the system by then, but of course it still matters to me).
I don't speak for LWSD in any way, of course! All I have is scuttlebutt, and I could well be totally wrong about what's coming. Your mileage may vary! Later, rinse, repeat! See a doctor if your school day lasts more than 24 hours!
Go High
I have no idea what you are talking about but the last comment above mine was Josh's and I was commenting on his funny last paragraph. You don't have to read all the comments but don't make remarks if you haven't.
I think go high was referring to a comment on 12/2/16 at 10:45 am which does seem out of line with this blog. I will not repeat it here.
CapHill Parent
I certainly hope things won't be handled this way at Eaglestaff or Madison. Shorting professional development for teachers and raiding the supply budget to provide small boutique classes for a limited number of students in a high poverty school doesn't sit well with me and was a poor choice. - Caphill Parent
I was very surprised to find out just today about this blog and the "SAP". I had no idea until reading a PTA email that explained we now may have to send our son to the Robert Eagle staff middle school that currently being build on 90th and Stone way.
My son is active in sports at his current school and is very upset about possibly leaving his current school. I have reviewed the Robert Eagle staff site plans and noticed there is not a dedicated soccer field like at Whitman. There's going to be contention for using the field between softball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and Frisbee.
It's also looks like the new school is missing an auditorium? Is this true? Whitman has a very large auditorium.
We will be looking into options. I hope the new school the best of luck, but not at my family's expense.
Kate @whitman
I will say that I have the utmost admiration for both the teachers and the students who have the stamina to show up for orchestra in zero period at my school, which starts at an eye-watering 6:30 AM. Holy moley! But that's not a solution, of course. I think the idea of the 3x5 is that even with the regular ol' schedule, after 4 years a student will have had the opportunity to accumulate 30 "credits" (at 7.5 each year, compared to the current 6), but music/performance classes really need to be pretty much continuous if one wants to attain any kind of mastery. Of course, after-school periods are no picnic either (I've taught those. Kids are generally too exhausted to be really focused, at least in a science context.)
As is always the case, there is no perfect solution. We muddle through the best we can given the constraints placed on us from above and below.
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/edu-a0037195.pdf
Anecdotally, how's it going for SPS elementary students? Is your child crankier or more tired in the afternoon? No difference? Are teachers noticing a difference?
wondering
Unlike the opening of JAMS, which was not a fully renovated building, REMS will be brand new - up to fire and earthquake code, no asbestos, no lead in the paint or drinking water. After years of having my kids in school buildings with actual health and safety risks, I think I would have been glad to have them in a brand new building. Not to diminish the other shortcomings and issues, but wow, a brand new building!
As to the WP sports field (not fields?), won't Lincoln also need to use the space? What is the plan for Lincoln HS sports? With the opening of REMS and LHS, there will be more schools and teams vying for the same limited number of fields.
-wondering
David Edelman
2) Lincoln will need some place with field access. Whether that is Lower Woodland or RESMS remains to be seen. I think it will probably be RESMS because Lower Woodland fields are already in almost constant use and to displace those people would cause a lot of unhappiness.
3) To David's point about IB at Ingraham, I can only say that I wish, wish, wish, that JSCEE spent some time talking to teachers about these issues and not just principals. My feeling is always that the people on the ground know more than people in a faraway building.
And, isn't this something the Executive Directors should be addressing in their work?
Unfortunately the city of Seattle is more than willing to risk the safety of its students by building a high risk homeless camp around the corner from Robert Eagle Staff middle school.
Staying @Whitman
At a recent IB info night, a parent asked IHS staff a pointed question about the future support for IB/IBX and the answer wasn't exactly forthcoming. It makes one wonder what conversations are happening around IB/HCC at Ingraham.
As far as the 3x5 schedule - it would be problematic for *BOTH* AP and IB pathways, in addition to severely limiting elective options.
-what's next?
I truly am an IHS teacher, and I am speaking only for myself. For the record, I don't think IB is sustainable at any high school forced to adopt the 3X5 schedule. As I've argued elsewhere (http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2016/05/is-district-moving-quickly-on-24-credit.html), the 3X5 schedule would signal the end of IB in Seattle Public Schools.
That's why I don't believe the 3X5 schedule will be imposed on all Seattle high schools. But if it were . . .
David Edelman
Reality bites
There won't be any changes in the 2017-18 school year.
I do leave many comments that are critical of me and others but I'm not going to allow abuse of myself or anyone else.
I do not claim to get it right every time but that also doesn't mean I'm going to have foul or abusive language here.
If you don't like my editing or standards, there are many other places you can be.
Honestly, I'm something of a newbie in the classroom, with a combined four years of teaching experience at the high school level (and a few years of tutoring before that), so someone like David Edelman no doubt has much more insight into this than I do, but I'll echo Melissa's comment above: all too often this stuff gets handed down like it's engraved on a tablet or something, and we in the classroom - teachers and students alike - wind up having to interpret the scripture to meet our own situation. Different levels have different priorities, but I wish that at ALL levels we'd be thinking about what's best for the students. The whole POINT of schools is the students. Sometimes I think some folks forget about that in their zeal to make things run smoothly, or meet some sweet spreadsheet organization, or match up with some neato-keen program they heard about at a seminar in DC.
WHEN Monday, Dec 5, 2016, 7 – 9 p.m.
CAMPUS LOCATION Kane Hall (KNE), University of WA
CAMPUS ROOM 120
EVENT TYPES Lectures/Seminars, Screenings
EVENT SPONSORS University of Washington College of Education Master in Education Policy program, education.uw.edu.
Tom Halverson, thalvers@uw.edu
206-543-4014
DESCRIPTION
Some of the most pressing issues facing America's educational systems will be discussed during the "Education and Society" documentary film series. Watch "Starving the Beast" and join a conversation about the funding of public higher education.
Examine the ongoing power struggle on college campuses across the nation as political and market-oriented forces push to disrupt and reform America’s public universities. The film documents a philosophical shift that seeks to reframe public higher education as a value proposition to be borne by the beneficiary of a college degree rather than as a public good for society.
The event is free and open to the public.
LINK education.uw.edu…
-NP
-super tired
TryingToUnderstand
Yes, AND most 8th grade students are choosing to stay at Whitman. Between what everyone learned and what actually happened to 8th graders at JAMS, and the fact that this is NOT a geosplit, I am more and more in favor of a 6th and 7th roll-up. Parents who are arguing against this issue (& do not have 7th graders) are ignoring facts related to matriculation issues for 8th graders. There are kids who started algebra in 6th who will be 3 years ahead. I highly doubt the small amount of 8th grade HCC kids will be able to continue with certain math classes, levels of language (immersion) band/orchestra (chamber etc) classes that don't align etc.
-NW dad
my 2cents
HP
I expect there is going to be a huge fight over the attendance area of Whitman, you can bet on it. I expect the movers and shakers in Broadview will thoughtfully convince SPS of its mistake around the attendance boundaries for RESMS and things will soon return to as they where before the huge mistake.
North end parents where not notified of the change until last week which has pissed off just about everyone at Whitman.
I do not believe we need RESMS as a traditional middle school, so please use the entire building as Licton Springs or some other alternative school. Maybe the bureau of Native Indian affairs can use the whole complex and get federal funding to run and maintain it. I think that would be a fantastic form of reparation to our area's deserving native population and also set SPS apart from the rest of the country.
SPS Nation
--Whitman music
That's certainly one approach SPS could take--simply redefine things so that whatever we call a "credit" now becomes 1.5 credits instead. A semester-long class becomes 0.75 credits instead of 0.5. We'd then have 36 credits possible, which should be plenty of wiggle room for getting to the 24 required. The state removed the instructional minutes requirement, so this would be an allowed "solution." SPS could even try to justify it by saying classes are longer than before, if they add a couple minutes to each period once that 20-minute longer day kicks in next year.
(Of course, this approach doesn't make it any easier to get all the classes you'll need to get into a good college, but the 3X5 proposal doesn't do that either--in fact, in some cases it makes it harder.)
reality bites
Uhhh, have you looked at the enrollment projections, or the state of current overcrowding at Hamilton? Where exactly would you put all these middle school students instead, if things were to go your way (which they won't--we ARE getting this middle school)?
reality bites
-other ideas
Licton Springs and Hamilton can share the building.
Problem solved?
SPS Nation
Like someone mentioned, it's a nice new shiny thing just what millennial parents think is best and all you have to do is add in a totally social justice focus, Prius only parking and there will be a never ending wait list for all the little millennial-me.
Kangaroo bicycles
reality bites
eeew
I should have guessed.
-- Taylor
Pulling all HCC kids from HIMS does not leave the school under-enrolled. It would leave the school with more students than Whitman's 485 next year!
@mytwocents- Pulling 8th graders from HIMS who will AGAIN be pulled in 10th grade to open Lincoln is not cool without an option to grandfather. In contrast next year's 7th graders are not in that position. They will be entering 9th grade when Lincoln comes online AND when Ingraham adds 500 seats.
-multiple perspectives
Where are you going to get 500 more students for Ingraham from? Is the district going to clamp down on address cheats? So they want to slam 1700 plus kids into Ingraham but leave Hale at 1100? I understand Ballard is at 1700 due to all the families getting out of Ingraham and people using false addresses.
The bigger the school the more kids fall through the cracks. Ingraham will become a more dangerous mess.
Thanks
IHS
Seriously? Where do you come up with this stuff?
dix a
Do either of you have kids at Ingraham? I have 2 kids there, and am there often after school. I have neither seen nor heard about police arresting a student on a daily basis. I have no basis of comparison, but I am sure the police show up at most of Seattle's high schools for something (not necessarily and arrest) or another on a weekly basis It is not a dangerous or bad school - if it were, would so many out of area students be trying to get in? Students are not fleeing IHS for Ballard.
The 500 seat addition will include new spaces, and will make IHS approximately the size that Ballard and Roosevelt are now. Just how is that going to make it dangerous? Hale doesn't have room/land to grow nearly as much without a major remodel.
- Stop Fearmongering
2013-14 I admit was a bad stretch, but all those students are gone and there's much less trouble now.
As for the good old days, people are hypersensitive and weapons are very prevalent, I think those two together means schools tend not to take chances and are more prone to calling 911.
My2 Cents
At this point I'm looking for a asian buyer to pay me 50%+ over market for my view home in NB area. I'm sure it won't be long before every home is demolished and replaced with high rise condos.
As Steve said,
take the money and run.
Follow Steve