Seattle Schools Community Forum

Sorry I didn't see this sooner but Seattle Public Library has a host of things to do with kids this last day of 2016 at various branches including movie shorts, games and crafts. Of course, it is a beautiful day (but cold) day so there's that.  (I'm going to see Amy Schumer tonight.  For some reason, when a famous person is in town, I'm always happy when it's good weather so it shows off our beautiful region.) A couple of things I have learned thru this difficult year: - it's the little things - it's little daily victories - you DO get by with a little help from your friends (and family) Best wishes to all for a safe and peaceful 2016 (with some joy and happiness thrown in.) 

You either get to be Carnac the Magnificent and make a prediction for public education in our state/district OR you get to put forth your most hoped-for wish for our district/state for 2016.  The sky's the limit. (And if you are too young to know who Carnac was, good for you.) Let's hear 'em.

Here's the latest in a recurring topic. School Board policy 3208, Sexual Harassment , requires an annual report. The Superintendent shall make an annual report to the Board reviewing the use and efficacy of this policy and related procedures. Recommendations for changes to this policy, if applicable, shall be included in the report. The Superintendent is encouraged to involve staff, students, and volunteers and parents in the review process. I have written to the Board on numerous occasions over the past two years - since the NatureBridge incident - asking for this annual report. Every time before that I have asked for it, I have been told that no such report has ever been made. That story just changed. I just got an email from the Board office saying that the report has been made. How did I miss it? Because the claim is pretty weak.

I was just in Minnesota - great place with good education.  (Funny thing - in my sister's city, they have an out-of-retirement superintendent running their district.)

Today I received a notice about the kick-off for the Seattle Schools levies via Schools First.  They also asked for money to help support and run the campaign.  But they started out saying: Fifty-two thousand students in Seattle’s public schools need our help. And I thought, "What? That's not the number of kids in SPS." So I went to the district's Fast Facts and here's what it says:

I normally don't publicize events or Ed Lab stories from the Times.  (We're not fans of each other and I'll leave it at that although I have enjoyed working with a number of ed reporters there.) But, in the interest of my readers perhaps having a great public education idea AND wanting to get it out there, here's the details on an upcoming Times event .  Basically, you send in an idea for a 5-minute talk/slideshow. 

Via Director Leslie Harris, the Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship .  The Seattle Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce the Stimson Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship Competition. High school seniors and undergraduate students who live, work or attend school in Seattle are invited to participate.