Seattle Schools Community Forum

State Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-Seattle) announced that the Legislature passed his bill HB1240 on the use of restraint and isolation techniques in public schools.  The bill will now go to Governor Inslee for his signature. “This bill makes sure that treating people with respect and dignity doesn’t end when a child walks through the doors of their school,” said Pollet. “Schools should create an environment where students can learn without fear of having their behavior corrected with the use of restraints and isolation. This bill prohibits the use of these tactics and promotes the use of positive interventions which are proven to be effective.” He said that parents and advocates for people with disabilities helped mightily to win the day.   Paramount Pictures announced today that it is sending a copy of the film, Selma, to every single high school in the U.S. (public and private). 

The Times is reporting that Hamilton's 6th grade field trip to see The Hunger Games has been canceled.  I'm not really surprised - I think an adult should see the film before a decision is made to show it to students.  (And if you want a version of it, check out the Japanese film, Battle Royale, with the same theme of kids being forced to kill each other to stay alive.)  I am getting a press pass to go and hear Diane Ravitch tomorrow morning at the National Association of Elementary School Principals convention being held this week at the Convention Center.  I have never heard her speak and I am looking forward to it.  I also hope to speak to some principals from other states about their challenges and successes.   The Association includes elementary and middle school principals.  They are also sponsoring a day of service today for Hawthorne Elementary School in support of their new playground.  (I attended an event at Hawthorne this wee...

It's that time of year again - the Seattle International Film Festival .  I always like to give it a shout-out because they feature films for families as well as for teens. For teens there are the Adobe Youth Voices where youth from 32 countries created short films to communicate about their lives.  As well there is FutureWave with films about teens with FutureWave Shorts with filmmaking by youth under 19.  My favorites in this category are Detention ( Mix Donnie Darko, The Breakfast Club and Heathers - it's not the end of the world, it's just high school ),  Finding Kind , a documentary about girl bullying, and Hooked , a Russian film about 6 college students who suddenly find they have the powers they use when they play video games. Then there is Films4Families each weekend.   This year's films include a look behind the scenes at Elmo from Sesame Street and behind the scenes at a youth circus, an animated French film about a cat and a cat burg...