Friday Open Thread

Here's an article from the Wenatchee World about dual-language programs in their schools.

Lewis & Clark Elementary School will host a visit Tuesday from state Superintendent Chris Reykdal, who is interested in learning about the school's dual-language immersion program that has been in place since 2008.

Reykal’s six-year vision for restructuring K-12 education in the state calls for all students to learn a second language. The school’s 400 students from kindergarten through fifth grade receive instruction in Spanish for half the day and in English the other half of the day.

Reykdal really seems to have a continuing watchful eye over many aspects of public education in Washington State.

When I attended Director Burke's community meeting last weekend, there were several parents with students in SPS dual-language programs that were worried about changes at those schools.  It is troubling that SPS starts programs - dual-language and IB - and then does not fully support them.

From King-5, Kirkland issued 3,624 speed warnings near schools zones in one month


They had issued so many warnings that they extended the warning period for an additional two weeks. Yikes! A reminder to slow down in a school zone, watching for flashing lights and, most of all, watch for kids and parents.

Yoga and mindfulness, yay or nay? From District Administration.

Candy Gunther Brown, a professor of religious studies at Indiana University, wrote in The Conversation that she has testified that yoga does not violate the law in four cases in which schools have been challenged on religious grounds.

But educators still have work to do. She wrote: “My research and experience leads me to believe that there are problems with how yoga is being implemented in schools. My goal is not to ban yoga or mindfulness from school settings. But I believe there are legal and ethical reasons to work toward greater transparency and voluntary participation in yoga.”

To add, I had my first visit yesterday to the new Burke Museum.  I have mixed feelings about the presentation but they do have one large slightly darkened area, with some benches and video jellyfish, a sea turtle, a whirl of fish - it's a calming, quiet area.  A nice thing to have for a museum which can sometimes be overwhelming for kids.

Local girls win video game contest with their game, Shredded Secrets.

The girls created a game called Shredded Secrets. It allows gamers to see bullying through the eyes of a failing student, a heartbroken teacher, a bully, and a person being bullied.

"We really wanted to show the different perspectives to show that you don't know everybody's story," said Gracie Clauson, one of the game's creators and Christ the King Catholic School student. "Not everybody is born as a mean person."

The girls said they hope their game is available for free by the spring. They received more than $30,000 in a Kickstarter campaign to bring their game to the public.

There are four (4!) community meetings this weekend with Board directors, including the first for Director Brandon Hersey.  Check the district calendar for dates/times/locations.

What's on your mind?