Friday News, December 1, 2023

A drive-by "spraying" near Arbor Heights Elementary School on November 28th as reported by the West Seattle Blog is deeply troubling. The principal at AHES, Alana Haider, sent out this info (partial) to parents:

Shortly after school was dismissed this afternoon, you or your student may have noticed the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Seattle Fire Department on our campus while they responded to a threatening incident.

An unknown adult in a car sprayed a substance that SPD believes may have been pepper spray toward several students and their families while they were walking on the sidewalk. The unknown adult immediately drove west on 105th and was not seen again as we dealt with this situation.

A teacher on duty immediately alerted the school office and called 911. The SPD and paramedic teams appeared about five minutes later. They tended to the individuals who had been sprayed or who were nearby. I am thankful to say that the students and families who were involved in this incident received treatment and are recovering.

There appears to be a couple of victims, none hurt seriously, including a 4-year old.

The district had the 6th Annual Seattle Black College Expo at Rainier Beach High School in late November with more than 50 two-year and four-year colleges and universities participating. The event also had representatives from the military as well as trade schools. 

Ryan, a senior from Ingraham High School, received more than $90,000 in scholarship offers. Several others from SPS high schools received on-the-spot acceptance letters and scholarships from HBCUs in Tennessee, Arkansas and South Carolina. Five SPS students were awarded $1,000 scholarships.

Scholarships via the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF). 

 

 

Also via SPS Communications, news of an upcoming series of classes on supporting your child's educational journey. 

This family-friendly class, hosted by SPS and North Seattle College, has been running successfully for more than 10 years. 

The topics vary from quarter to quarter because each class cohort discusses what topics will be most helpful for them over the course of the 10 weeks.

Recent topics offered during the class include:

• Navigating the school system and advocating for your child
• Keeping kids motivated in school
• Talking about disabilities
• Talking with your child about racism

“The series provides a great overview of district and school functions,” said Asosa Sailiai. “Each class provides an opportunity for families to get more in-depth information on specific topics of their interest.”

Winter Session Starts: Tuesday, Jan. 9
Duration: 10 weeks
Frequency: Once a week
Format: Online, Zoom
Cost: $37, Scholarships are available
To enroll: Email lea.evans@seattlecolleges.edu

Spring session starts April 16, 2024

Thanks to the partnership with the college, participants can earn two (2) college credits! SPS offers need-based scholarships to offset the cost for participants who qualify. Please contact Asosa Sailiai to learn more about scholarships at amsailiai@seattleschools.org.

 

The district and the City were recognized by the 2022 US Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award. Mayor Bruce Harrell and Superintendent Brent Jones accepted the award after a walk with students and parents to their schools, starting from Dunlap Elementary School.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School named the City of Seattle the recipient of the award for the impressive work of SDOT and Seattle Public Schools, distinguishing itself as a leader in youth walking and biking safety. 

“Seattle is working hard to prioritize safe walking and biking for the city’s youth,” said Pullen-Seufert. “This award recognizes the commitment of Seattle’s local government, its transportation department and public school system to lead community-engaged, equity-focused efforts geared toward making a great impact on walking and biking safety for its youngest residents.”  

Pullen-Seufert said the Award Committee was impressed by the creation of School Streets and Stay Healthy Streets that prioritize people rather than cars, citywide speed reductions and traffic calming measures, and creating a community-engaged equity plan specifically for the Safe Routes to School Program. SPS also plays a critical role in assuring that every elementary and middle school student receives walking and biking safety education.  

The U.S. Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award, now in its fourth year, recognizes cities that are leading the way in prioritizing children’s walking and biking safety.   

Via Seattle.gov's Front Porch news:

The public is invited to discuss the development plans for John Muir Elementary School located at 3301 S. Horton St. The in-person meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. in the library at John Muir Elementary. Participate virtually in this Dec. 11 meeting.

The Seattle School District is requesting a modifications (also known as a “departure”) from a City zoning regulation for 1) increased total ground coverage of all buildings or structures on site, 2) reduced setbacks, which are distances from a property line where you are not allowed to build without special permissions, and 3) reduced short-term bicycle parking capacity.

Seattle School District will make a presentation on the modification before the John Muir Elementary School Development Standards Departure Advisory Committee, a group composed of neighbors and Seattle School District and City representatives. After the presentation, the public is invited to provide comments. Following public comments, the committee will deliberate and consider the District’s request. Additional meetings may be held, if needed.

If community members cannot attend the meeting, written comments can be submitted to (by Monday, Dec. 4):

Nelson Pesigan
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649

 

To note, there has been a significant uptick in the district capital program asking the City for departures. If you look at what is being asked for, it appears that the district continues to want to build bigger in smaller spaces. And, like at the Alki Elementary rebuild, they want to reduce bike parking. Not sure that's the environmental forward-facing appearance that the district is trying to cultivate. You see the above story about SPS and the City getting kudos for their walking and biking program and yet the district is quietly asking for fewer bike spaces for some renovations at schools.

 

Director Lisa Rivera has spoken about environmental strides at SPS and yet I would guess - under SOFG - she will stay silent on this issue.  

 

Also via district communications:

Dr. William Jackson, principal at Nathan Hale High School, was named the 2023 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year. He also will be recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Jackson will compete with winners from other states for the NASSP’s National Principal of the Year award.

Jackson received a record-breaking number of nominations which included phrases such as “transformational leadership,” “connector of people,” and “loved and admired.”

Superintendent Brent Jones said Jackson has a clear vision of how to systemically build climate for equity, justice, and academic outcomes.” 

 

In April, the Alliance for Education awarded the 2023 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence to Jackson. He was the recipient of a $25,000 grant for his school.