Seattle Schools Community Forum

It will soon be time for endorsements for the fall elections. The endorsements come from the Democratic Party legislative districts, from the King County Democrats, from a variety of advocacy organizations, and from the newspapers. The political organizations have endorsement meetings. At these meetings people in the organization get up and speak about the candidates - usually in support. It is not unusual, however, for someone to speak against the endorsement of a candidate. If you are an active member of the Democratic Party within a legislative district or at the county level, be ready to speak at the endorsement meeting in support of school board candidates or in opposition to them. I have seen how influential an impassioned talk from a member can influence the vote of the body. The advocacy groups have their own means for rating or endorsing candidates, but if you are a member of one of those groups, see what you can do to influence that process. You might wonder about how n...

The Time ran another story about West Seattle Elementary this morning. High poverty but high hopes: West Seattle Elementary School making progress Much of the story focuses on the work of the elementary school counselor. The story makes no reference to the District's efforts to eliminate the position at schools across the district.

Thursday, May 12th The " Friends of Cleveland " group is holding their annual Red & White auction.  This year, the auction will be held on Thursday, May 12th, at the Museum of Flight, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.  They are raising funds towards next year’s First Robotics fees for the School of Engineering and Design, and toward the purchase of video equipment for student projects in the School of Life Sciences.  Those who wish to support could do so by purchasing a ticket to attend, then bidding on items.  It is also possible to donate without attending. The last day to reserve a seat is Monday, May 9.  Contact Catherine Brown cmbrown@seattleschools.org or Dick Lee rjlee@seattleschools.org , 252-0476 at Cleveland for more info. Saturday, May 14th The Franklin High School Arts Festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 14 at the school, 3013 S. Mt. Baker Blvd., and will feature student art, ceramics, woodcrafts, lion dancers, fa...

What's on your mind? No Community Meetings tomorrow with Board members. Upcoming threads; furloughs still on the table for the Legislature, foundations try to throw yet more money for ed reform, Reuven Carlyle weighs in on paying School Board members a real salary. Appreciations Today is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week .   Know a special teacher?  Tell them thank you for the work they do.  My high school band teacher, not a "fun" teacher, died recently and he taught me more about striving for excellence and the discipline that takes than any other teacher.  Thank you, Mr. Brendan. Hey Moms, it's Mother's Day .  Thanks to the moms that raised us and thanks to all the moms out there who love, nuture and advocate for their children. The Daily Beast says Seattle is the 4th best place in the U.S. to "mom."  (The same survey gives schools a 6 out of 10.)

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is the Donald Trump of politics.  There is not one dopey statement this guy won't say.  The latest?  This story from the New Jersey Star-Ledger is the biggest and latest smackdown from Christie over funding of K-12 education.

The latest story in the long-running saga that is the Athletics Department at Garfield continues on at the Times. I'm not going to review all the latest details because I think this is absolutely ridiculous and why we in the U.S. and in our high schools and colleges allow TOO MUCH emphasis on sports.  I  absolutely believe sports helps keep many kids interested in school and focused (don't get a good grade, no participation).  But time and again we see "star" athletes protected.  That the Athletic Director and possibly the principal were jumping through hoops to protect this player is wrong.  Someone is NOT telling the truth. That Garfield was severely overcrowded and yet somehow there was room for a 3-person class with a sub teacher is disgraceful and there is NO excuse for it in these hard fiscal times. I'm sure the student will sail into UW and be a big basketball star and still can't string two sentence of basic Spanish together.  This is not w...

I note that the RIF motion passed.   Here is coverage from this morning's Seattle Times' article by Linda Shaw. Anyone attend or speak?