First Day of School - How Did It Go?

I see by Seattle Schools' Facebook page that the Superintendent visited both Washington Middle School and Garfield High School. As well, Director Michelle Sarju was at GHS. 

I note that SPS' new tagline is "Opportunity Starts Here." 

 

I also see via Twitter:

Sounds like class sizes are a shitshow all over SPS, because SPS purposefully under-allocated staff/under-projected enrollment at many schools. Rumored reasons: 1. They didn’t let folks off waitlists, particularly into K-8s and 2. To save money with fewer staff.

I have absolutely heard from parents - for example, at Salmon Bay K-8 - asking over and over why waitlists haven't moved.  The district has been planning closing schools for many years. 

Also, new this year from SPS:

Effective August 28, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will introduce a transaction fee for all student fee payments made through SchoolPay. This online payment platform offers a secure and efficient way for families to manage school-related payments online.  

The transaction fee helps cover the costs of offering this convenient online service.  

For families paying fees for multiple students at once, the transaction fee will only appear once during checkout. For those who prefer not to pay online, we continue to accept all forms of payment in person at both the district and school offices. 

SchoolPay Transaction Fee Details: 

• $1 per transaction for payments ranging from $1 to $14.99 
• $1.95 per transaction for payments from $15.00 to $49.99 
• 3.99% of the transaction amount for payments of $50 or more 

SPS does not receive any of this transaction fee. 

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is introducing a new voluntary fee for high school sports starting in the 2024-25 school year. This optional fee helps cover growing costs like transportation and officials. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• High School Sports: This voluntary athletic fee is for high school student athletes. SPS does not collect athletic fees for middle school athletes.  
• Fee Amount: $200 per student per sport, with a maximum of $400 per year if a student participates in more than one sport.  
• Voluntary: This fee is optional. A student can still participate in sports even if a family chooses not to pay.  
• How to Pay: Families of SPS students can pay online through SchoolPay. The item is named “24-25 Sports Fee (optional).” Log in to your Source account to access your student’s SchoolPay account. Note: This optional fee is different than your school’s ASB activity card.
  

 

Apparently the Seattle Council PTSA think their first meeting of the year is more important than the first presidential debate. Both are on Tuesday, September 10.  The meeting is via Zoom.

FYI,

Though this is the only debate for the presidential candidates currently on the schedule, their running mates - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance - are set to square off on Oct. 1.