tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post7916078392402391062..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78642440800903988032017-08-29T11:23:59.377-07:002017-08-29T11:23:59.377-07:00Are you tired of seeking loans and Mortgages,have ...Are you tired of seeking loans and Mortgages,have you been turned down constantly By your banks and other financial institutions,We offer any form of loan to individuals and corporate bodies at low interest rate.If you are interested in taking a loan,feel free to contact us today,we promise to offer you the best services ever.Just give us a try,because a trial will convince you.What are your Financial needs?Do you need a business loan?Do you need a personal loan?Do you want to buy a car?Do you want to refinance?Do you need a mortgage loan?Do you need a huge capital to start off your business proposal or expansion? Have you lost hope and you think there is no way out, and your financial burdens still persists? Contact us (gaincreditloan1@gmail.com)<br /><br />Your Name:...............<br />Your Country:...............<br />Your Occupation:...............<br />Loan Amount Needed:...............<br />Loan Duration...............<br />Monthly Income:...............<br />Your Telephone Number:.....................<br />Business Plan/Use Of Your Loan:...............<br />Contact Us At : gaincreditloan1@gmail.com<br />Phone number :+44-75967-81743 (WhatsApp Only)Credit Loan Solutionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04560862271536746225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69204955130496148762017-08-11T00:30:06.679-07:002017-08-11T00:30:06.679-07:00The problem with school boards is they are manipul...The problem with school boards is they are manipulable by specials interests. So, in Kansas, there are districts that teach creationism. <br /><br />In our district it's different. The wealthy and well-educated dominate the election and therefore their interests get more attention than they would if another group had as much clout.<br /><br />For example, HCC generates lots of emails and outrage so the board and staff <br />treat it like a third rail. There is never any talk about the burgeoning of the program, nothing BUT talk about the demographic problem, while real problems like special ed continue to fester. <br /><br />So a city government which is usually much more representative of the populace is frequently more likely to help the neediest students than a board beholden to more narrowly focused interest groups. <br /><br />Eiffel Tower<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70952540692575575162017-08-10T22:10:25.830-07:002017-08-10T22:10:25.830-07:00I suspect Durkan as a careful attorney does not wa...I suspect Durkan as a careful attorney does not want to be questioned on public education, if it is a topic she mutually does not know about, and also has opinions outside of the popularly held belief that the elected School Board is an advocate for students and families. She is trying to get elected as mayor after all.<br /><br />I just checked her website and she still lists the current Mayor as an endorser of her campaign. Even after the report from Oregon Child Protective Services was released.<br /><br />As a parent I appreciate our elected School Board. They are at least one body that to quote from the family movie "The Incredibles" is "penetrating the bureaucracy" on behalf of our students.<br /><br />In saying that our School Board is a problem, and continuing to publish an endorsement from someone that an Oregon Child Protective Services investigation found to be raping their foster child in their care - No vote from me.<br /><br />Gross<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21268306413221614302017-08-10T17:30:59.700-07:002017-08-10T17:30:59.700-07:00@Xander--good question. I don't get it either....@Xander--good question. I don't get it either. When I hear people who optioned out of Sandpoint Elementary or Greenlake to attend TC dis on people who were ENCOURAGED to option out of Bryant, Viewridge or Wedgwood for HCC...I truly scratch my head.<br /><br />Hypocrisy RulesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76710395587544868752017-08-10T16:04:06.179-07:002017-08-10T16:04:06.179-07:00Xander, I'm planning a deep dive on this issue...Xander, I'm planning a deep dive on this issue and will give you my answer to your question. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12294357506667677822017-08-10T14:40:52.268-07:002017-08-10T14:40:52.268-07:00What's with the pro-HCC/anti-HCC thing obsessi...What's with the pro-HCC/anti-HCC thing obsession? Every kid in HCC was once not in HCC. There's plenty of highly capable kids who never opt to test for AL and never get the Seattle public schools HCC seal of approval. So what? HCC is an optional program. It's just another option school. So many families with a kid in HCC also have a kid in a neighborhood school. We donate our time and our PTA money to both schools. Plus other schools and charities and communities. Not sure why there's a war on HCC but not on other option schools and optional programs.Xandernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73141210570881943432017-08-09T21:06:56.335-07:002017-08-09T21:06:56.335-07:00One, if all some people are going to do is needle ...One, if all some people are going to do is needle me, then, yes, go find another blog.<br /><br />Two, I only delete for very specific reasons and people do know what they are. That I am not going to allow people to hawk Durkan's campaign is my call. Sorry.<br /><br />Also, is any one job just one thing? I have been an education advocate much longer than a citizen reporter. I am now both.<br /><br />You first.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90394942798133724542017-08-09T20:26:40.333-07:002017-08-09T20:26:40.333-07:00Unfortunately, consistently telling people with wh...Unfortunately, consistently telling people with whom you disagree to find another blog to read and/or threatening to delete them and/or the topic (both of these examples can be found in this thread) doesn't sound much like a "spirited debate".<br /><br />Also, you have gone from self-identifying as a "citizen reporter" to "education advocate" on this same thread. No wonder Durkan took a pass, press credentials nothwithstanding.<br /><br />Move OnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16943538129341583972017-08-09T15:49:37.471-07:002017-08-09T15:49:37.471-07:00Move On, words have meaning. I have ALWAYS been cl...Move On, words have meaning. I have ALWAYS been clear about what I am and what I am not and that is very much about respecting people who are real journalists. But what I am is a long-time education advocate who is an expert on SPS. The other mayoral candidates recognized that. <br /><br />People, call it bias if you like but I am pretty even-handed in terms of believing in gifted programs that are finding and serving ALL gifted students. <br /><br />I do reporting and I do editorialize and I think most people know the difference. <br /><br />And once again, libel is written, slander is verbal. Get your terms right if you want to accuse me of something. (Except that not a single person has ever taken me to court for libel. Hmmm.)<br /><br />I challenge my readers and for those who either believe in their points and/or enjoy a spirited debate, they don't find me that scary. <br /><br />Again, I find it amusing how people come here for info you will get nowhere else but still feel the need to needle me. <br /><br />Onward.<br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24778459127434346912017-08-09T15:18:12.898-07:002017-08-09T15:18:12.898-07:00I don't know why she, Melissa, can't call ...I don't know why she, Melissa, can't call herself a blogger. She does interviews but the blog, the BLOG, is highly opinionated and has a bias towards the pro-HCC crowd and other biases as well. <br /><br />Which is great. The reporter/journalist distinction is moot. If it was me, I would make clear that opinions are the name of the game here. <br /><br />No news source outside of Breitbart would allow the slanderous statements regularly displayed here and no citizen reporter or journalist would disparage readers in one on one arguments.<br /><br />It's a blog, so she's a blogger. <br /><br />GreaseMonkeyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3279192659511842562017-08-09T14:16:20.398-07:002017-08-09T14:16:20.398-07:00Move On, most parents want to help other kids, too...Move On, most parents want to help other kids, too. It's not about only helping our own.<br /><br />You can be pro-HCC and still have concerns about the program, as many--including Melissa--do. Being "anti-HCC" isn't the answer to our problems.<br /><br />Neighborhood schools have pros and cons. Some schools are MORE diverse after the switch to the NSAP, while others are LESS so. many of the high-FRL, predominantly minority schools were that way before the NSAP, too. We certainly have some big inequities between schools, but part of the reason you don't hear a lot of parents talking about it here (although it definitely comes up!), is that the solution is unclear. Most parents don't think that putting kids on buses for three hours a day and spending a lot more of our limited funding on transportation ( so probably less in classrooms, meaning even larger classes?) is the best bet overall. <br /><br />But maybe you have all the answers and can enlighten us as to how things should change to work for everyone?<br /><br />POVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79006539863736685092017-08-09T13:07:31.993-07:002017-08-09T13:07:31.993-07:00POV,
Looks like you are at the right place! Some ...POV,<br /><br />Looks like you are at the right place! Some people go to blogs to find out about to help other kids, too. Some don't think HCC is following HC law. Some think neighborhood schools in SPS put a "neighborhood" smiley face on inequity. But this blog's POV synchs with yours, from what you say.<br /><br />But here's the read point: You can't complain that you aren't given a press pass or the equivalent when you have a stated bias and agenda. <br /><br />The entire slant against Durkan by Melissa was payback for not being treated like a journalist. That is pretty darn petty in my book. (I don't even know who I'm going to vote for, BTW.)<br /><br />But wait! She says she's not one. But then she says she's a "citizen" journalist. Whatever. Back to work for me.<br /><br />Move On<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75319001673444957972017-08-09T12:13:42.345-07:002017-08-09T12:13:42.345-07:00@ Move On,
What's wrong with this blog having...@ Move On,<br /><br />What's wrong with this blog having a perceived clear point of view that is anti-charter and anti-Trump/DeVos? That reflects the overall Seattle POV, does it not? I'm not sure that it's also "pro neighborhood schools" so much as it acknowledges that that's the current reality we're living with and there are pros and cons; and as for it being pro-HCC, well, highly capable services are a state requirement, so I'm not sure a POV opposed to such services would make a lot of sense (especially since the research suggests that HC students need something different). <br /><br />As to this blog being "the go-to site for parents who like access to information that will help their own child," are there parents out there that DON'T like information that will help their own kids?<br /><br />My POVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37023453587307425692017-08-08T15:17:50.089-07:002017-08-08T15:17:50.089-07:00Messenger, you're pretty funny.Messenger, you're pretty funny. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48832002663933080942017-08-08T14:34:04.700-07:002017-08-08T14:34:04.700-07:00Typos. Too little time. Back to work.
messengerTypos. Too little time. Back to work.<br /><br />messengerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13277589221700489482017-08-08T14:32:48.988-07:002017-08-08T14:32:48.988-07:00Highly impacted schools are a result of housing.
T...Highly impacted schools are a result of housing.<br />They will not magically become "Quality" schools.<br /><br />Saying the "right words" doing mean the same as doing the right thing.<br />Like gerrymandering or having ACTUAL option schools.<br />Oh! But that means "busing"! Code words.<br /><br />There is a whole lot of dog whistling that goes on here. The good news is that<br />the younger parents are haven't it.<br /><br />Again, "citizen" journalist, journalist, blogger, whatever.<br /><br />Can't have it both ways.<br /><br />messenger<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32659001949326414292017-08-08T14:24:03.229-07:002017-08-08T14:24:03.229-07:00Look, if you say she's a "serious candida...Look, if you say she's a "serious candidate," to me that implies the other top 5 candidates - who did interview with me - are not. Otherwise, what did you mean by serious?<br /><br />And who isn't pro-neighborhood schools? That's the goal - high quality schools in every single neighborhood is the best thing for ANY school district. That we also have Option schools that are great is a bonus. Then you have zero need for charters.<br /><br />This blog offers insights and information for all parents. Information you won't find anywhere else in a timely manner. Those of you who like to flame me are here very much because you know that. <br /><br />Nope, not a journalist - I'm a citizen-reporter. I would never insult my colleagues who are journalists by saying I am. It's not splitting hairs - it's honoring other people's training and experience. By now, though, I have a lot more experience and when I get journalists and electeds saying to me after press conferences, "good questions," then I know I'm getting better.<br /><br />MoveOn, you are welcome to do so.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29410481683695064232017-08-08T14:05:18.282-07:002017-08-08T14:05:18.282-07:00The twisting of comments gets old. Rhetorical Devi...The twisting of comments gets old. Rhetorical Devices 101.<br /><br />Where did I say the other candidates weren't serious? <br /><br />Your blog has a clear point of view: non-Charters; anti-Trump/Devos; pro neighborhood schools; and pro HCC (with a few token modifications); you throw some "maybes" out out PTA sharing but not too much so your readers won't turn on you.<br /><br />This is the go-to site for parents who like access to information that will help their own child.<br /><br />And you similtaneously flaunt your Olympia press pass and then say you are not a journalist.<br /><br />'Nuff said. This blog is old news.<br /><br />Move OnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58290591885588917182017-08-08T13:51:36.977-07:002017-08-08T13:51:36.977-07:00Move On, you can believe that about Durkan. I'...Move On, you can believe that about Durkan. I'm not saying she needs me at all but voters might want to know what she has planned in the back of her mind about public education.<br /><br />And I guess you consider the other top candidates as "not serious?" Hmm.<br /><br />I'm not sure what you mean by "endorsed" but Mack and Patu are in and I endorsed them. I did endorse Andre Helmstetter who did not make it but I also said favorable things about Zachary DeWolf and, of course, I now endorse him.<br /><br />Look for all three of those people to sit on the Board come December. If you don't believe me, there are several people who lost their seats and/or could not gain one and I think I helped that happen. My record is pretty good.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21359908966969916942017-08-08T13:44:36.462-07:002017-08-08T13:44:36.462-07:00This is a well-known echo chamber.
Jenny Durkan d...This is a well-known echo chamber.<br /><br />Jenny Durkan doesn't need this blog anyway. The endorsed school board candidates were not helped by it, and it is clear that the mentality here is behind the times.<br /><br />A serious candidate like Jenny Durkan has bigger fish to catch.<br /><br />Move On<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15625499719068745022017-08-08T13:42:11.143-07:002017-08-08T13:42:11.143-07:00I asked every single candidate that question and i...I asked every single candidate that question and if I had interviewed her, as her staff said would happen, I would have asked her as well.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19042990380736795342017-08-08T13:41:36.764-07:002017-08-08T13:41:36.764-07:00Sure, but who will ask her?Sure, but who will ask her?Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43489029527513077512017-08-08T13:39:40.978-07:002017-08-08T13:39:40.978-07:00Durkan needs to answer a yes or no question. Do yo...Durkan needs to answer a yes or no question. Do you believe in mayoral control of public education?NO Hopenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42129758973637752822017-08-08T13:08:50.420-07:002017-08-08T13:08:50.420-07:00"I find her campaign disingenuous and false&q... "I find her campaign disingenuous and false"<br /><br />Very strong words about a former U.S. Attorney, I'd love to see some concrete examples. Also, what the heck is the distinction you make between "citizen-reporter" and journalist?<br /><br />And, yes, I'm very disturbed by your comments about Jenny and fully understand why she would avoid you.<br /><br />As for Senator Murray recognizing you as press; what does that mean to you?<br /><br />Governor Inslee, who I have worked for in the most recent election, endorses Jenny, as does his wife Trudy.<br /><br />If you don't like dissenting opinions on your blog, just say so, I thought this was a forum of ideas, not an echo chamber.<br /><br />hoopi<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3606802938296997222017-08-08T12:49:21.704-07:002017-08-08T12:49:21.704-07:00Hoopi, this is the last time I'll be stating t...Hoopi, this is the last time I'll be stating this point. <br /><br />No one who has listened to that believes that she means nothing and isn't going to argue for a change. For someone who has never been elected to office before, she's pretty disrespectful to a group who are.<br /><br />That you can't find the quote - look at my school board candidate posts. <br /><br />No, I'm not "peeved" she won't talk to me. I find her campaign disingenuous and false and when I see that, it gives me pause. <br /><br />I'm not a journalist; I'm a citizen-reporter. I interviewed ALL the other major candidates and they had no problem with me. I am acknowledged as press by Senator Murry's office, Governor Inslee's office, etc. <br /><br />I'm not lashing out at you; I'm stating a policy. It would seem you are the one picking a fight and I'm not playing along.<br /><br />Don't like this blog; there's a world of other reading out there. You won't get all the info and insight that you will here but that's your choice.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.com