tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5679908899950589227..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Tuesday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36531832488524035482012-09-22T17:41:26.636-07:002012-09-22T17:41:26.636-07:00Reality vs fantasy
The teachers only required to b...Reality vs fantasy<br />The teachers only required to be in school for the teaching hours and 30 mins before and after school according to their contract. In any additional time there is a possibility to have only partial participation (even with extra payment).<br />Jan<br />There were requests to move the early release days to Friday, so at least the skiers could use that afternoon between January and March to go to ski.<br />HIMS parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47776469538624829382012-09-22T14:47:09.219-07:002012-09-22T14:47:09.219-07:00as far as it being a one-year plan: this is middle...as far as it being a one-year plan: this is middle school. It is only 3 years long. A one-year plan is a big chunk of time in that context. <br /><br />Moving to pie-in-the-sky land, I sure wish this collaboration time could be scheduled for after school -- this seems quite doable if planned in advance given that school is out at 2:30. And of course, the teachers would be paid for the additional hours in this fantasy of mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2187585163818083192012-09-21T12:15:04.784-07:002012-09-21T12:15:04.784-07:00Anonymous (who needs to pick a moniker to avoid de...Anonymous (who needs to pick a moniker to avoid deletion) said: Okay, but they still have to fit a year's worth of school work into three weeks' less time. That's three fewer weeks to get through the math curriculum. It's three fewer weeks for band and orchestra to practice. It's three fewer weeks of solid instructional time.<br /><br />I totally concur. It would be great if they could be in school. I was operating from the position that those three weeks are already lost. The PD WILL take place, and the students WILL NOT be in school those hours. All I meant to say was -- now you have all that time, in predictable, well-spaced-out chunks of 2 to 3 hours. What a gift to learning, if someone, or some group, could put the kids and the opportunities together in an organized way. Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5912403545737082922012-09-20T18:58:09.016-07:002012-09-20T18:58:09.016-07:00Okay, but they still have to fit a year's wort...Okay, but they still have to fit a year's worth of school work into three weeks' less time. That's three fewer weeks to get through the math curriculum. It's three fewer weeks for band and orchestra to practice. It's three fewer weeks of solid instructional time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59628604417955102532012-09-20T18:43:21.082-07:002012-09-20T18:43:21.082-07:00The nice thing about late arrivals (at least for m...The nice thing about late arrivals (at least for middle school kids who can get themselves up and to school without parental help) is that it lessens the "what will the whole group of them think of to do that afternoon after school -- they usually just use the extra time for sleep, or to do homework before school -- at least that is what mine did.<br /><br />The thing that seems to bad to me is that 20 extra afternoons is such a gold mine of time. If the right organization(s) and people could be pulled together -- just THINK what that much time could be used for. <br />You could set up some incredible service projects (for 8th graders -- and then get special dispensation from the District to could them towards the high school credit). Things that require (or could use) ongoing time -- rather than just "single event" things.<br />You could do some amazing art-related projects (either performance arts, visual arts, digital arts, or just going to arts performances.<br />Kids could get their lifesaving certificates, or scuba diving certificates (though the latter is pretty expensive). <br />You could set up visits to high schools that allowed kids to attend classes (IB at Sealth and Ingraham, academy classes at Franklin and Ballard, STEM classes at Cleveland, etc.). <br />You could arrange for trips to the science programs at local universities (astronomy, meteorology labs, etc.). <br />If there is room at the school, you could ask some of the arts organizations (Seattle Ballet, Spectrum, ACT Theater, Seattle Children's Theater, etc.) to come in and give workshopts, or take kids there to watch rehearsals or performances. You could have someone come in and do large group art projects (either in the school or the community) -- jewelry, pottery, murals, etc. <br />Kids could attend court hearings or trials, or City council meetings.<br /><br />Given the number of kids and the number of days, there would be a lot of work here to organize this stuff. But assuming they can't switch back to mornings, 20 afternoons strikes me as pure gold, in terms of the possibilities. Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81406982138072558192012-09-20T17:45:47.758-07:002012-09-20T17:45:47.758-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41042805282790533592012-09-20T15:36:55.149-07:002012-09-20T15:36:55.149-07:00McClure has the 5 SPS early releases plus 8 more. ...McClure has the 5 SPS early releases plus 8 more. Similar to last year I think.<br /><br />Wasn't the decision at HIMS by the BLT (and whoever else weighted in last year) to have the 15 days be Late Arrivals, but the transportation couldn't be worked out?<br /><br />-seattleParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70414687960126071612012-09-20T14:38:04.467-07:002012-09-20T14:38:04.467-07:00Parent -
I don't know if your list is correc...Parent - <br /><br />I don't know if your list is correct (it could be!). McClure has a long history of having lots of early release dates and you have them listed as having 5. That would be a big change for them to have no extra early release dates this year.<br /><br />20 does seem to be greater than the average. However, since historically HIMS has taken no extra time, for my 8th grader, this still more seat time over the three years than the other school. Plus, if this reduces the amount of movie time, I call it a win. <br /><br />Also, I thought Principal Watters was really clear that this was a one year plan and they were not intending to do this every year but that this was a big push year to create teamwork. I think it is long over due. The NSAP has made a lot of changes for many schools. HIMS has had to deal with both a lot of change and juggling multiple programs - Immersion, APP, neighborhood, Spectrum, Spec Ed, etc. Plus a lot of staff changes. <br /><br />I for one am pretty sick of the us vs them mentality between the programs and I am very optimistic that this might just help create some unity.katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16390767697578867215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63495289490035369552012-09-20T14:35:46.088-07:002012-09-20T14:35:46.088-07:00Just becuase the "disrict" approved some...Just becuase the "disrict" approved something does not mean that they are in compliance with state regulations.<br /><br /><br />Happy to hear notes were taken - hope to hear that they have rethought the whole thing over and will make some revisons to this absurd schedule.<br /><br />Another HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70137016083069050712012-09-20T14:14:54.877-07:002012-09-20T14:14:54.877-07:00Who gives approval for school-based early release ...Who gives approval for school-based early release days? Does the Superintendent sign off on them, or is it based on approval from the Executive Director only? <br /><br />curiousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3176773523715409262012-09-20T14:08:07.139-07:002012-09-20T14:08:07.139-07:00Does anyone know the testing window dates for the ...Does anyone know the testing window dates for the fall MAP tests?<br /><br />nemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71105730841631372062012-09-20T13:40:08.070-07:002012-09-20T13:40:08.070-07:00Here's a list of 2-hr early release days acro...Here's a list of 2-hr early release days across the district (For middle schools, based on the school's posted calendars): <br /><br />The district has 5 scheduled 2-hr early release days, which are included in the totals. 1-hr early release days are not included in the total. <br /><br />Denny: 5<br />Eckstein: 9<br />HIMS: 20<br />Aki (no info)<br />Madison: 5<br />McClure: 5<br />Mercer: 5<br />Washington: 12<br />Whitman: 7<br /><br />Eckstein, Washington, and Whitman all have extra school based early release days, but no school has as many as HIMS. Even Washington (which perhaps is doing some PD with HIMS) has only 7 extra days compared to HIMS 15. <br /><br />I understand wanting to stand by a previous staff decision, but not if it's plain out of line with the rest of the schools. <br /><br />parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87056999327509598772012-09-20T13:14:12.319-07:002012-09-20T13:14:12.319-07:00I was also at the HIMS meeting last night.
I am ...I was also at the HIMS meeting last night. <br /><br />I am so confused about any conversation about how Principal Walters was dressed. I don't remember what she was wearing but it was clearly - clean, crisp and looking like a professional person in most Seattle offices. <br /><br />I also thought she was very responsive and respectful. I have too many examples of principals who wouldn't even meet with parent groups. I think she was extremely balanced. <br /><br />She has been in the job for a few weeks. She was not going to over-ride her entire staff at a parent meeting, based on what was very obviously less than 10% of the parent population (I counted 80 people). Particularly information that was clearly presented to her as a community based decision made the previous year. <br /><br />And frankly, if they do take the suggestion to ban movies in class time and make videos homework, my student will have MORE seat time this year, than last.katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16390767697578867215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64705938526441203202012-09-20T13:03:22.372-07:002012-09-20T13:03:22.372-07:00The only question about HIMS decision is that how ...The only question about HIMS decision is that how any school decision could be legitimate if no one knew (no parents) about it and there are no meeting minutes.<br />- CuriousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85021100419800538382012-09-20T12:52:13.160-07:002012-09-20T12:52:13.160-07:00Chris S --
The BEX4 info is here:
http://seattle...Chris S --<br /><br />The BEX4 info is here:<br /><br />http://seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=270265&sessionid=e706add1878717d4fbd451f29d981acf<br /><br />Note that the first meeting is TONIGHT at Whitman Middle School (9201 15th Ave. N.W.) from 6:30-8pm.<br /><br />APP DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82949112720773323032012-09-20T12:51:04.063-07:002012-09-20T12:51:04.063-07:00Ms Watters didn't dismiss any parent ideas - y...Ms Watters didn't dismiss any parent ideas - yet. She was listening and made notes what we were suggesting. And there were lot of suggestions! She clearly stated that she single handedly can not change a legitimately made group decision from last year that she wasn't part of. So I would suggest some patience now...<br /><br />Also : the added early dismissal days received approval from the district last spring after they were decided. Plus, district provides the extra cost for transportation also.<br />So somehow it can not be the violation of the state policy.<br />- Don't understand it eitherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54987720363840823472012-09-20T12:39:20.201-07:002012-09-20T12:39:20.201-07:00What is very discouraging is Ms. Watters dismissal...What is very discouraging is Ms. Watters dismissal of every idea parents brought up. I hear that message loud and clear!<br /><br />Can anybody clarify if in fact HIMS is in violation of the state policy. <br /><br /><br />Another HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69224916930801591322012-09-20T09:10:40.130-07:002012-09-20T09:10:40.130-07:00I am going through schools' posted calendars a...I am going through schools' posted calendars and comparing the number of 2-hr early release days. So far:<br /><br />Eckstein: 9 total (5 district, plus 4 school, one per month)<br /><br />Mercer: 5 total (all district)<br /><br />McClure: 5 total (all district)<br /><br />Denny: 5 total (all district)<br /><br />Still have more to go through, but...HIMS is an anomaly.<br /><br />parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-80295593645898574062012-09-20T09:06:37.915-07:002012-09-20T09:06:37.915-07:00The most recent BEX work session slideshow said th...The most recent BEX work session slideshow said there would be community meetings 9/20, 24, & 27. Does anyone know anything about that? LIke when and where?Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86160243006577146462012-09-20T08:54:23.508-07:002012-09-20T08:54:23.508-07:00My kid is at Ballard High School and they handle t...My kid is at Ballard High School and they handle their early release days thusly: <br />Every time the district has a Wednesday early release day, BHS also has early release the following day, Thursday. On Weds they have three periods and on Thursday they have the other three periods. Seems to work just fine. Jamienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77677222061162423532012-09-20T08:54:21.407-07:002012-09-20T08:54:21.407-07:00Guess we're feeling especially snarky this mor...Guess we're feeling especially snarky this morning...<br /><br />: )mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12947240164631423512012-09-20T08:51:34.704-07:002012-09-20T08:51:34.704-07:00"Since nearly everyone in Seattle is either g..."Since nearly everyone in Seattle is either gifted or disabled.."<br /><br />Parent, that seems like a snark but tell us what that means. Everyone in Seattle or SPS or what? And what do you base that on?<br /><br />"..sharing school issues with her partner.." And what does that mean? I'm confused.<br /><br />"Probably because those of us not freaking out about the early release days stayed home."<br /><br />Well, I don't call showing up to a PTA meeting raising concerns "freaking out." To want to know how a new process works for education outcomes AND how it logistically will work doesn't seem like freaking out.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20360998601930408002012-09-20T08:42:38.375-07:002012-09-20T08:42:38.375-07:00I especially like the request from a parent about ...I especially like the request from a parent about banning movies in the classrooms during these short inservice days.Linh-Conoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26855177411552871642012-09-20T08:38:15.566-07:002012-09-20T08:38:15.566-07:00From WSSDA:
"Abstention – Unless otherwise r...From WSSDA:<br /><br />"Abstention – Unless otherwise required by law or the documents of the board "the vote is determined by the number of members <b>present and voting</b>", therefore, abstentions are not considered a vote (RONR page 390). They are not recorded except in cases where a record of quorum must be established."mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16172991079667355322012-09-20T08:35:07.289-07:002012-09-20T08:35:07.289-07:00This is the RCW governing instructional hours:
E...This is the RCW governing instructional hours: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.k12.wa.us/ProfPractices/adminresources/faq.aspx" rel="nofollow">Education Laws in WA</a><br /><br />RCW 28A.150.220<br /><br /><i>(2) Each school district shall make available to students the following minimum instructional offering each school year:<br /><br />(a) For students enrolled in grades one through twelve, at least a district-wide annual average of one thousand hours, which shall be increased to at least <b>one thousand eighty instructional hours for students enrolled in each of grades seven through twelve</b> and at least one thousand instructional hours for students in each of grades one through six according to an implementation schedule adopted by the legislature, but not before the 2014-15 school year;</i><br /><br />HIMS 2012-13 schedule reduces the instructional hours to 1020. Is this allowed until the 2014-15 school year, but not after?<br /><br />also a HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com