Seattle Schools Community Forum

Charita Dumas, one of the challengers for Steve Sundquist's position, is stepping out of the race to support Joy Anderson who is also running against Steve.

I had read this puzzling schedule for the last couple of days of school and wondered about it.  Here's an update from SPS on those last days (most important for high school parents and students): After receiving feedback from schools about the difficulties surrounding early dismissal next week, we are making changes. Typically, all of our schools have the same last day, but given our November snow days, we need to extend High School until Thursday, which is causing transportation issues. On Tuesday, June 21: ·          All elementary, K-8 and Middle Schools will have a one-hour early dismissal. ·           Chief Sealth High School and West Seattle High School will have a one-hour early dismissal. ·           Aki Kurose Middle School will release on normal schedule and NOT have an early dismissal. ·        ...

Dear Parents,   If you are still trying to find some musical activities to keep your child playing their instrument during the summer, please consider the district’s Summer Music Program.  Two sessions are being held at Eckstein Middle School this summer and space is still available.   Please check out   http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?sessionid=6bafd21131f06e755f243024165230dd&pageid=219375&sessionid=6bafd21131f06e755f243024165230dd   for more information about the program, necessary forms, as well as information about partial scholarships.   Sincerely,   Katrina Sibicky Elementary Instrumental Music Seattle Public Schools

Just back from the 36th Dems Endorsement meeting.  It was a lively evening (made better by a Chair who knew how to keep things moving - bless him). No school board candidate was endorsed.  Both Sherry Carr and Peter Maier had motions for sole endorsement by the group and both motions failed.   I think the reason that motions for other candidates failed was because they had not been interviewed by the Executive Board and no one knew them.   There were some interesting things said.  Highlights: Councilman Tim Burgess (who did get an endorsement for his reelection) made the motion for Peter which isn't surprising considering Peter has endorsed him.  (I cornered Burgess about doing that endorsement before even considering other candidates.  He said that the district's work isn't done but they are making progress.  He couldn't get away from me fast enough and frankly, it was troubling because he's never done that with me before.)  He was the...

I have been made aware that in addition to the concerns over the quick growth at Lowell, that there are tensions within the community.  Most of the tension seems to be coming from actions by the Principal Greg King and both teachers and parents are very unhappy.  It may all come to a head before school lets out but this is no way to end a school year and go into new year. I cannot say I know the complete story but I am fairly sure of what issues have arisen. clashes between the principal and staff over passing out and collection of staff surveys.  Apparently some staff felt it was not handled properly and the principal called out a couple of teachers (SEA) who were sitting together.  I know that SEA has gotten involved as there are strict rules over who can handle the surveys and they apply to principals as well as teachers. the BLT (Building Leadership Team).   Apparently the principal dissolved the duly elected BLT and reconstituted it without...

Principal movement again:  Looks like TOPS is losing its principal Jo Lutz-Ervin, to Lafayette.  The current principal of Lafayette, Virginia Turner, is going to Coe.  No idea who will lead TOPS. Congrats to Ballard High for its Fifth Avenue Theater award for Outstanding Orchestra for excellence in High School Musical Theater.  At the Washington State Dems luncheon today, both Governor Gregoire and Senator Ed Murray said that if they had $1 left in the budget, it would have gone to education.  $2 - it all would have gone to education.  I get that they are sorry but I'm not sure saying that helps.  One School Board candidate has dropped out.   According to the Stranger Slog, Michael Maddux, in District 3 (Martin-Morris) has stepped off the list.  He has endorsed challenger, Michelle Buetow.  "I think Buetow will consider what's best for the kids instead of just what's best for the administration ," says Maddux, citing Buteow's ...

Here is the presentation from today's Work Session on the Strategic Plan with survey results.