tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post4605434616191954083..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9069172846177048112017-08-02T08:21:02.667-07:002017-08-02T08:21:02.667-07:00It's RESMS. Robert Eagle Staff Middle School....It's RESMS. Robert Eagle Staff Middle School. <br /><br />NamerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7298171724862359742017-08-01T10:17:33.045-07:002017-08-01T10:17:33.045-07:00If people are comparing REMS location to Whitman&#...If people are comparing REMS location to Whitman's for safety I think it's clear Whitman is located in much better neighborhood than REMS. So now lets focus on how we can help make changes to make REMS just as safe.<br /><br />Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58763626927192174042017-07-31T14:40:26.057-07:002017-07-31T14:40:26.057-07:00Perhaps that should read: "I would not outrig...Perhaps that should read: "I would not outright dismiss concerns, but the concerns may be blown out of proportion [relative to what other schools already deal with]." <br /><br />Illicit activity is not confined to the Aurora corridor and people are living in parks and vehicles in neighborhoods across Seattle. That said, to hear design moved forward seemingly without more thought about security or after hours activity is especially concerning. <br /><br />The biggest bungle was not making WP a high school - lots of open space for much needed sports fields (and an auditorium...), within walking distance to North Seattle for Running Start, on Metro transit lines...sigh. It's painful to watch this district operate.<br /><br />-jsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22052917362714608032017-07-31T14:06:17.202-07:002017-07-31T14:06:17.202-07:00WP Bound I would argue that you are concerned abou...<b>WP Bound</b> I would argue that you are concerned about the visual line of sight rather than the straightness of the site's borders: Sight lines, not site lines. <br /><br />I think you would be hard pressed to find a school in Seattle that doesn't deal with needles and condoms as part of the morning cleanup. Bagley, Cascadia, HIMS all deal with this, and I can't recall any reported child injuries. WP may prove to have more incidents than the other schools, but I would rather see how everything works once school is in session.<br /><br />Yes, I agree with you about the auditorium. I still look forward to seeing the three schools move into this new site.Owlernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38865100892593666862017-07-31T10:17:07.316-07:002017-07-31T10:17:07.316-07:00Anyone know when "the exciting launch of the ...Anyone know when "the exciting launch of the new design" of the district's website is supposed to happen today (Monday, July 31)? Like lots of families, we would like to be able to download Fall sports forms...<br /> <br />-WendyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79213554036835479752017-07-31T09:58:12.192-07:002017-07-31T09:58:12.192-07:00The parents on the design committee begged for the...The parents on the design committee begged for the buildings to mind the unique security needs of that site. <br /><br />Neighbors told us that 'everyone' had always 'promised' that 'this' (whatever 'this' was) would change the neighborhood and force it to get cleaned up. But, they said, nothing ever has. So yes, the sex workers and druggies will still be there, even though the SPS building work is completing. They will simply move in to nicer grounds.<br /><br />Go back to the minutes of the design team. You can see they begged the architects and the district to pay attention to the local activity and to the proximity to Aurora. Flip did not, would not listen. In that (the not listening part), he has been consistent. <br /><br />We begged for clean site lines to keep the children safe. We told them at the first meeting this district does not have money for operating budgets. There is no funding for recess monitors. Thus, site lines were crucial. 1 adult would need to be able to see all children in one visual sweep. Having the courtyards would not permit that. Courtyards would chew up space, disallowing for maximum play courts for the kids and the community, impact the amount of parking that could be fit, and wouldn't be able to be used anyway because of noise to the surrounding classrooms and the risk that balls would break windows. Facilities told them, Flip, the same. And did they listen? NO! Arguably, it is the middle school kids who need closer supervision, as it is not typical for elementary aged children to get into the kinds of issues that bigger, older kids can. And yet, REMS has the worse site lines. And, it is closer to Aurora. <br /><br />Did the architect team speak with the principal on the ground at Wilson Pacific at the time? NO! Seriously, Mahlum didn't even bother to call her up and ask her about her experience there. If they had, they would have learned about the number of people sleeping there and the dirty needles and used condoms that had to get picked up every morning. At a community meeting, Jon Halfaker said drugs wouldn't be a problem (there was a broken crack pipe resting on the ground while he spoke), Kim Whitworth said there would only be 2 buses. Yes, the neighbors were told lots of interesting things. While they appreciated the new buildings to be built in their hood, they also knew that crime was not going to go away and that parking and traffic was going to be a problem.<br /><br />The architects wanted northern light. That was their priority. That is why they made inefficient, over-built, expensive buildings. Look at price per sq ft in Seattle compared to Bellevue for school construction. We overpaid and got a less functional campus. <br /><br />The joke was the middle school courtyards will be segregated for evening commerce: one for prostitutes, the other for drug users. <br /><br />Nonetheless, everyone will smile and pat themselves on the back for the pretty buildings at Wilson Pacific. Much they way they did when Hamilton opened. Only, Hamilton should have had an auditorium. But, nobody mentioned it that day when the ribbon was snipped. And, when Wilson Pacific is opened, also without an auditorium, nobody will talk about the stupid buildings' shapes or point out that there is no auditorium and Sue Peters was the ONLY one to vote no on WP because it didn't have an auditorium. (An auditorium does not have to have a raked floor with fixed seating, it can be made much more like a 'flex box', and with the useless 'outdoor classrooms' that won't get used, the square footage was absolutely available.)<br /><br />Solution? Think about the levies as a referendum on how the district is doing. Vote accordingly. <br /><br />WP Bound<br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16082034685586668982017-07-31T09:36:00.313-07:002017-07-31T09:36:00.313-07:00The amount of crime around RESMS is concerning. Th...The amount of crime around RESMS is concerning. There are lots of used needles laying around the site. Who's going to pay to clean up all the needles. Who's going to pay to chase away the vagrants seen wander the site. Who's going to stop the addicts from harassing the kids? <br /><br />Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78732186695319211892017-07-31T08:07:32.226-07:002017-07-31T08:07:32.226-07:00@Choice Bought- I am not too worried as the overwh...@Choice Bought- I am not too worried as the overwhelming majority of kids we know are moving over to Eaglestaff. In addition, there are many great schools located in less than perfect neighborhoods in urban cities across the country. Eaglestaff even had a waiting list last I checked. It will open with alot of kids and it is beautiful new school. It is also getting some strong teachers. I think actually it will be a huge draw in the next few years. <br />-not worried Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70438272286002055542017-07-31T07:48:17.217-07:002017-07-31T07:48:17.217-07:00"When the Wilson Pacific site was in operatio..."When the Wilson Pacific site was in operation, there was evidence of illicit activity on the campus."<br />@JS & Megan - Yes, that particular stretch of Aurora has historically had visible prostitution and illegal drug activity. In addition, a new "low barrier" for access shelter (includes people addicted) is very close to the schools. <br /><br />I support "low barrier" shelters to help shelter our homeless who are addicted. <br /><br />However, location next to an elementary and middle school could create some additional security issues. It is not the best location. More security should be provided at schools in neighborhoods with more risk for this reason. I don't think concern is overblown.<br />-B Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53463435837334018792017-07-30T12:01:03.494-07:002017-07-30T12:01:03.494-07:00I'm excited about my 8th grader moving to REMS...I'm excited about my 8th grader moving to REMS next year but am getting worried about overall 8th grade numbers. With many Whitman students now out of REMS, several HIMS families opting to go private and more than a few who are renting extra apartments in Wallingford to stay at HIMS the numbers are dwindling. Must be nice to have the $$ to work the system, tempted to report.<br /><br />Choice Boughtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11293647177701585692017-07-30T06:13:13.569-07:002017-07-30T06:13:13.569-07:00When the Wilson Pacific site was in operation, the...When the Wilson Pacific site was in operation, there was evidence of illicit activity on the campus. I would not outright dismiss concerns, but the concerns may be blown out of proportion. Also, the new campus will most likely have improved security. <br /><br />jsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16924777716265810512017-07-29T22:48:12.764-07:002017-07-29T22:48:12.764-07:00Not only is the new location for Licton Springs K-...Not only is the new location for Licton Springs K-8 in a neighborhood of mostly single family homes, it is located in the <b>Licton Springs neighborhood</b> right by the actual springs that give the school its name. The name comes from the Lushootseed word líqʼ-təd meaning "red paint" due to the reddish color from the natural iron springs which are now located in Licton Springs Park just north of the new school building. There's a great article by Thomas R. Speer (leI?elás) about the importance of the springs to the Duwamish here: <a href="http://lastrealindians.com/licton-springs-a-sacred-site-of-the-duwamish-tribe-ancestral-homeland-by-leielas-thomas-r-speer/" rel="nofollow">Licton Springs A Sacred Site of the Duwamish Tribe Ancestral Homeland</a> and a good write-up about the site in <a href="http://www.hiddenhydrology.org/explorations/seattle/seattle-licton-springs/" rel="nofollow">Hidden Hydrology</a>.NNE Momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4938830808155285422017-07-29T21:06:06.008-07:002017-07-29T21:06:06.008-07:00Does anyone know if incoming Kindergarten students...Does anyone know if incoming Kindergarten students will get any eclipse programming during Jumpstart on the 21st?muhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07841682595015012741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72434863594889441542017-07-29T20:58:59.888-07:002017-07-29T20:58:59.888-07:00Ugh,
I"m so sick of the 'Licton Springs ...Ugh, <br />I"m so sick of the 'Licton Springs is in a sketchy area' story. Given me a break. Licton Springs is in a neigbhorhood, primarily inhabited by single family homes, with neighbors who give a shit. <br />Also true that it is in a city, and that our city is facing problems with homelessness and drug use. But I hate this attempt to paint it as somehow sending these kids into hazardous duty by sending them to a school that is becoming more beautiful by the day.muhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07841682595015012741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48743344952097597172017-07-29T20:36:32.059-07:002017-07-29T20:36:32.059-07:00It going be interesting to how RESMS turns out nex...It going be interesting to how RESMS turns out next year. It's located in a very sketchy area with lots of traffic. With 3 schools inhabiting one building there's sure to be lots of excitement. <br /><br />Not providing transportation for choice Whitman students is theft in my book.<br /><br />WMSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54810774388551770762017-07-29T15:33:12.936-07:002017-07-29T15:33:12.936-07:00@Equity Schmekwity- I think you meant HIMS....not ...@Equity Schmekwity- I think you meant HIMS....not GIMS? There are alot of HIMS HCC 8th graders moving over, so I would guess the 8th graders should have enough advanced courses. <br />-KMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89988204424304814572017-07-29T12:59:15.386-07:002017-07-29T12:59:15.386-07:00Maybe good news for the Whitman students who don&#...Maybe good news for the Whitman students who don't have to move to RESMS, but maybe not such good news for the GIMS students who didn't get a similar deal. Will there be enough 8th graders for not just a comprehensive experience, but a comprehensive experience that includes a full slate of advanced courses? <br /><br />Equity SchmekwityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56873436075874981352017-07-29T12:28:21.204-07:002017-07-29T12:28:21.204-07:00I don't know- those rooms have been so overpro...I don't know- those rooms have been so overpromised. What if eaglestaff grows next year? I am assuming it will; the Whitman deal is just for kids who have already been at Whitman, so not a permanent thing. I can't imagine it would be ok to give Licton Springs rooms for just one year, and then take them back. Would it? That building is just not big enough for a comprehensive middle school and an option k-8.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77475893351917208932017-07-29T11:41:14.926-07:002017-07-29T11:41:14.926-07:00Will there be more rooms available now for Licton ...Will there be more rooms available now for Licton Springs at REMS since the Whitman students will remain at Whitman?Carol Simmonsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53584915309577782402017-07-29T07:44:52.666-07:002017-07-29T07:44:52.666-07:00Sixwrens, good news and as it should be.Sixwrens, good news and as it should be.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53973882913424155362017-07-28T23:17:54.739-07:002017-07-28T23:17:54.739-07:00FYI, all the Whitman students who requested Whitma...FYI, all the Whitman students who requested Whitman rather than a transfer to REMS have been given a spot at Whitman after a board decision. <br /><br />sixwrensAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18979398781019418102017-07-28T10:43:26.131-07:002017-07-28T10:43:26.131-07:00Face Checker, you'd have to ask him.Face Checker, you'd have to ask him.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87950079847595655192017-07-28T10:32:06.688-07:002017-07-28T10:32:06.688-07:00What was Alec Cooper's positon on the teachers...What was Alec Cooper's positon on the teachers strike?Fact Checkernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13413652696902358282017-07-28T10:05:59.082-07:002017-07-28T10:05:59.082-07:00I know this is a trivial matter, ..."
For al... I know this is a trivial matter, ..."<br /><br />For all the reasons you point out, it isn't.<br /><br />Parent, I think that issue was addressed in the last website go-round.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90924992141009399702017-07-28T10:04:07.676-07:002017-07-28T10:04:07.676-07:00I thought the website redo was part of making it m...I thought the website redo was part of making it more accessible for the visually impaired. Yes, info was lost with previous updates, and is likely to be lost again, but I think SPS is legally required to make some of the updates. <br /><br />-parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com