tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post3956402633407747179..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28542805256532968552014-03-09T11:37:17.428-07:002014-03-09T11:37:17.428-07:00Re West Woodland or other schools w/ reportedly su...Re West Woodland or other schools w/ reportedly successful ALO programs:<br /><br />As usual, what works for some, doesn't for others. If you consistently get THE teacher at each grade level who is good at ALO, then it works. <br /><br />If you don't get that teacher -- b/c they do NOT put all kids w/ALO or higher designation in a class together - then your experience is hit or miss, just like at other schools. <br /><br />Happy people stay, so they self-report that ALO works there. Others move to APP, and they probably stay very very quiet. B/c after all, the kid still has friends and plays sports and stuff with the kids at the old school. And it's a VERY tight community. <br /><br />Anecdotally, if the APP qualified kid at WW has any out of mainstream emotional needs, it seems as if they are eventually encouraged to move to APP, but if they and their parents are easy to accommodate or highly productive members of the school community, they seem to stay ... I actually don't think that's wrong. I think it's a very valid capacity response. The school can move on a subset of kids who WILL get better service and their more challenging/resource intensive needs met elsewhere, thus freeing school resources for the burgeoning numbers of kids entering the door every year and for other kids w/special needs who don't have a second possibility for schooling. I think it's rational. Doesn't mean I think it's right, but it is rational. <br /><br />This is true at every school that has its act together. <br /><br />-- been around Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87979930979081204212014-03-08T20:37:22.666-08:002014-03-08T20:37:22.666-08:00Well, thanks, DWE! I don't do facebook so I a...Well, thanks, DWE! I don't do facebook so I appreciate the head's up.nnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24459650128862316972014-03-08T13:58:59.194-08:002014-03-08T13:58:59.194-08:00n,
I read it on the SEA Facebook page!
DWEn,<br /><br />I read it on the SEA Facebook page!<br /><br />DWEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47409654445543321682014-03-08T12:44:15.258-08:002014-03-08T12:44:15.258-08:00Bad news/Good news: even venerable Scholastic can ...Bad news/Good news: even venerable Scholastic can be bought - but they can also be stopped. <br /><br />http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/22334-this-is-what-happened-when-scholastic-tried-to-bring-pro-coal-propaganda-to-school<br /><br />The story of how Scholastic was forced to withdraw its pro-coal The United States of Energy offers a valuable lesson: When educators and activists work together to shine a light on socially and environmentally harmful teaching materials, we can defend the integrity of schools.<br /><br />-schoolWatcherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39021752612065070802014-03-08T08:39:36.889-08:002014-03-08T08:39:36.889-08:00DWE -
Where did you get the list? I'd like t...DWE - <br />Where did you get the list? I'd like to confirm it. My school will likely vote no if they know others are doing it. Otherwise, my school reflects a pretty timid staff. nnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78132165159743483732014-03-08T05:52:46.958-08:002014-03-08T05:52:46.958-08:00Thus far, Olympic View, Lawton, Stevens, and Adams...Thus far, Olympic View, Lawton, Stevens, and Adams Elementary schools have voted no on their budgets. i expect a wave of schools to follow suit across the district. I don't know what the argument is at the elementary schools, but I do know what it is at the high schools:<br /><br />http://www.change.org/petitions/parents-students-staff-balance-the-budget-without-unbalancing-the-schools<br /><br />DWEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-80967689116723821642014-03-07T22:43:01.493-08:002014-03-07T22:43:01.493-08:00Congrats to Cleveland & Rainier Beach, also he...Congrats to Cleveland & Rainier Beach, also heading to State.<br /><br />CCAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20732527370792551952014-03-07T22:12:58.418-08:002014-03-07T22:12:58.418-08:00Sweet! Garfield beats Issaquah 61-59. Winning is t...Sweet! Garfield beats Issaquah 61-59. Winning is the best revenge :-D<br /><br />STATE!!!<br /><br />CCAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5145416716106427862014-03-07T22:05:47.524-08:002014-03-07T22:05:47.524-08:00I think most elementary schools are losing funding...I think most elementary schools are losing funding for the 0.5 counselor positions. This is devastating to many schools. <br /><br />- NE teacherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88232404828462819782014-03-07T22:01:20.833-08:002014-03-07T22:01:20.833-08:00I too have heard rumors that some schools may refu...I too have heard rumors that some schools may refuse this budget, but I don't know if that is wishful thinking. It is hard to imagine SPS principals sticking their necks on the line in this manner.<br /><br />I may not have this exactly correct but I believe the gist of the fight is over the amount of reserves the district carries each year. Some of the SPS workforce says cuts are not necessary - that the district can carry fewer reserves. Clearly the district disagrees.<br /><br />Having a new head of budget is not helping to provide clarity. The process has always been somewhat opaque. Now we can add disjointed to the adjectives. When the public cannot follow the flow of money, problems generally follow.<br /><br />EdVoterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64685311361912044932014-03-07T21:55:12.313-08:002014-03-07T21:55:12.313-08:00n wrote "As angry as parents are over special...n wrote "As angry as parents are over special ed and program-enrollment in this District, would you support us if we rejected our budgets and demanded that the District be truthful about their financial situation and that they give more money to kids?"<br /><br />I am confused about this. Not until much later this spring --if then-- middle schools won't be knowing the sped students incoming and how the WSS applies to them (that is, if they have resource room allocations, or SM 2, 3, or 4 allocations). So I would assume that the District has apprised middle schools of this situation. Middle schools should not be voting on budgets or even planning budgets, until this incoming 2014 sped situation is clarified. <br /><br />readerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20214783492840639742014-03-07T21:27:53.557-08:002014-03-07T21:27:53.557-08:00- n
In an earlier thread you can read more about t... - n<br />In an earlier thread you can read more about the financial difficulties the different schools (mostly high schools) are facing in this district.<br />You can also sign a petition here:<br />http://www.change.org/petitions/parents-students-staff-balance-the-budget-without-unbalancing-the-schools?share_id=AAhIbWXXUM&utm_campaign=share_button_mobile&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition<br /><br /> - SPS mom<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51807008572909181822014-03-07T20:52:17.976-08:002014-03-07T20:52:17.976-08:00N, going to try to get to this issue this weekend....N, going to try to get to this issue this weekend.<br /><br />The entire district is relying WAY too much on PTAs for funding staff, maintenance, enchancements - you name it. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5843349755889644472014-03-07T20:04:59.283-08:002014-03-07T20:04:59.283-08:00Apparently some schools are going to vote down bud...Apparently some schools are going to vote down budgets because the District is holding back money and making cuts they don't need to make. The District is in the black by $20m to $30m and still cutting back for more. Does anyone know more about this? <br /><br />From what I'm told, the District cannot move ahead with any budget decisions for any school until all schools have locked down their budgets. If schools refuse to pass a budget, it become a negotiation between SEA and District people. <br /><br />North end schools are relying more and more on PTA funding for very basic things. <br /><br />I would like to know more about this and I would appreciate anyone who does know more about this posting. <br /><br />Also, I was told that Banda actually lied to the legislature. I don't know the details. Does anyone else? This would be about budgets. I'm not a rumor-monger. The person who mentioned it is in a position to know but she didn't go into detail and I can't remember the few details she gave me. Is anyone aware of Banda appearing before a legislative committee recently? <br /><br />Finally, I've posted several times that I've never heard of an ALO that works. Today I heard that West Woodland's works. Congratulations, West Woodland. I wish we could all come visit.<br /><br />As angry as parents are over special ed and program-enrollment in this District, would you support us if we rejected our budgets and demanded that the District be truthful about their financial situation and that they give more money to kids? <br /><br />I can't figure out why this situation hasn't become public knowledge and written about in the newspapers if in fact it is true.nnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62543623820606681782014-03-07T15:18:21.806-08:002014-03-07T15:18:21.806-08:00Sardine Mama,
The point of my comment is if the ...Sardine Mama, <br /><br />The point of my comment is if the teacher was correct, and, as of now, SPS is predicting 10 fewer kids in APP next year, someone is smoking something, or they have a hidden agenda (i.e. move Pinehurst, reduce APP funding for 1/3 year).<br /><br />I wasn't aware there were that many open classrooms at Lincoln. If 700 kids are in APP next year, that's roughly 6 more classrooms just for APP. How many rooms do Pinehurst and the 18-21 sped program need? There is only one bathroom in the south wing, but SPS is adding another over the summer. <br /><br />The mid-summer 2011 move from lowell was called out on this blog WELL before it was announced. <br /><br />karennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91083142005656870762014-03-07T14:30:44.804-08:002014-03-07T14:30:44.804-08:00EdVoter aboveEdVoter aboveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27707857258662602312014-03-07T14:22:40.910-08:002014-03-07T14:22:40.910-08:00Big national education story today: the Kansas cou...<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/08/us/kansas-school-spending-ruling.html?ref=education" rel="nofollow">Big national education story today</a>: the Kansas courts have ruled the state is not doing its constitutional duty to adequately fund education. Sound familiar? <br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, the governor and legislature in Kansas seem even more reluctant than WA's lawmakers to do the right thing.<br />(The WA legislative session will be over shortly and where is more funding for WA schools? Nowhere.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78265276500923481342014-03-07T13:51:26.660-08:002014-03-07T13:51:26.660-08:00Took my daughter to Girl Rising. It was wonderful...Took my daughter to Girl Rising. It was wonderful for her to hear the girl's story in Peru. Plus the film helps girls and women appreciate how fortunate they are to live here.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65608449622958476942014-03-07T13:40:32.260-08:002014-03-07T13:40:32.260-08:00Karen:
Not sure what mid-summer move 2014 you'...Karen:<br /><br />Not sure what mid-summer move 2014 you're referring to... there's space for APP in Lincoln. It will be crowded w/AS #1, but even if APP was 700 kids, it would fit. Lunch wouldn't, but the classes would. <br /><br />Let's not let sarcasm start a rumor. There's plenty of real crap we can all complain about! <br /><br />Signed: sardine mamaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47784292121530397602014-03-07T13:30:58.432-08:002014-03-07T13:30:58.432-08:00To clarify, not all of the 35 who lost transportat...To clarify, not all of the 35 who lost transportation are currently 4th graders. I haven't heard what the break-down is by grade level, but I personally know families of next years' 5th graders who will be losing transportation.<br /><br />Last year, we squeezed 7 buses in during afternoon pick-up. This year, we only have 4 afternoon buses. Things seemed to be headed in the right direction, bus usage-wise since the NSAP. <br /><br />Perhaps their plan is to get us down to one or two buses, since our attendance area has been shrunk to the point that is mostly within the walk zone, but this is certainly a harsh way to go about it.<br /><br />- North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-52142198721094496042014-03-07T13:20:28.346-08:002014-03-07T13:20:28.346-08:00North end Mom -
That is appalling. Yes, we all rem...North end Mom -<br />That is appalling. Yes, we all remember when John Rogers was the least popular of the NE, and an assignment there was a consolation prize. I've been so glad to hear it has become a terrific school - and sorry to see that as usual, lack of planning by SPS is going to screw those 5th graders.<br />-typicalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33449054930047814972014-03-07T12:33:54.752-08:002014-03-07T12:33:54.752-08:00I heard this week that 35 kids at John Rogers lost...I heard this week that 35 kids at John Rogers lost their transportation for next year. That is about 11% of the entire school!<br /><br />John Rogers was the only NE school "with room" back in the pre-NSAP - assign kids anywhere they fit - era. Many of those families stayed at John Rogers. Their kids are now 4th graders, and will lose transportation for their 5th grade year.<br /><br />Nice, huh?<br /><br />- North-end Mom<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47638915024509135722014-03-07T11:35:50.495-08:002014-03-07T11:35:50.495-08:00I would rather not say for privacy reasons, but th...I would rather not say for privacy reasons, but the school does do MAP testing, just not in the fall for kindergarteners, and I don't think the school at large has an opinion about APP, just this teacher. Otherwise I'd ask her advice.<br /><br />So frustratedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16867484791280669232014-03-07T11:25:42.972-08:002014-03-07T11:25:42.972-08:00So frustrated, what school are you at that dosent ...So frustrated, what school are you at that dosent like APP or do map testing?<br /><br />-Just wondering<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45872925544899375692014-03-07T11:18:18.262-08:002014-03-07T11:18:18.262-08:00I also want to point out that KIRO has asked Banda...I also want to point out that KIRO has asked Banda 6 times for an interview and has been turned down at least 5 times so far.<br /><br />https://twitter.com/ColleenKIROFM<br /><br />...so what was it that Banda said about the media when he was talking to the Cascade parents?Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08418437286162897591noreply@blogger.com