Hello and Welcome to the new year, 2026

A big welcome to the year 2026 which I predict will have its ups and downs but it WILL be a good (if not better) year than 2025. I hope that each of you had a fun and safe holiday.

I note this from acting SPS superintendent Fred Pedestal's new year greeting:

It is a time for renewed hope as we work together to make Seattle Public Schools one of the top districts in the nation.

This, of course, is what incoming superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, has stated. I'm glad that the statement seemed to mean that SPS is truly dedicated to all students.

As for what is coming up on the SPS calendar, I see one meeting - the BEX and BTA Capital Levies Oversight Committee meeting  - on Friday, January 9th.  I do see an oddity for Wednesday, January 14th - a Board "Special Meeting." There is nothing else that explains it nor is there an agenda. Ditto on Wednesday, January 28th. Sandwiched in-between those is the Regular Board meeting on Wednesday, January 21st. 


I have a number of stories in the hopper but for this first post of 2026, I just wanted to provide some information on the Highly Capable Program via the Friends of HiCap Seattle group.


- In 2024-45 6015 kids in the district were identified as HC. (Editor's note: that's "identified," not necessarily in an HC pathway school.) I believe the number actually enrolled in HC pathway schools is about 5700.

- It appears that Cascadia is hugely popular and near full while Decatur is under-enrolled. 

- One parent does point out that the district may use the term "building capacity" and then use "operating capacity" which are usually not the same. As well, if a school is renovated, you may see a third number. 

Of course there shouldn’t be such discrepancies, but if it’s not happening already, there is the potential for real weaponization of “capacity” when it comes to SPS decision-making.

- From SPS:

Returning to Seattle?
Students who were previously identified with a Highly Capable designation and then left the district should contact the HC Customer Care team at hicap@seattleschools.org after re-enrolling in Seattle Public Schools. The Customer Care team will verify the student’s prior eligibility, and once confirmed, the HC designation will be reinstated.

- Here's a link to SPS information if you are just MOVING TO Seattle and your child has never been in HC.

- The window to choose an HC school is short and early this year (January if your child is already HC)!

May be a graphic of text

-Via Friends of HiCap:

HC elementary cohort schools: Thurgood Marshall, Decatur, and Cascadia
HC pathway middle schools: Washington, Madison, Hamilton, Jane Addams, Madison, Robert Eagle Staff
HC pathway high schools: Lincoln, Garfield, West Seattle
alternate pathway high schools (IB program): Ingraham HS, Chief Sealth, Rainier Beach

Friends of HiCap Seattle will be hosting informal "HC Sip and Chats" with to give HC families across the district a chance to connect. 

HC Sip and Chats with Friends of HiCap Seattle:
Wed Jan 14 @ 12pm
Fri Jan 16 @ 12pm
Tues Jan 20 @ 7pm
Mon Feb 9 @ 8pm
Wed Feb 11 @ 11am


- Another enrollment event but for all incoming 6th grade families from Washington Middle School:


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