Seattle Schools Community Forum

From SPS Communications : Welcome to this Seattle Public Schools district website navigation study. We are currently evaluating our current navigation structure for a project that will make district resources easier to find. This test addresses navigation for families and students . We will soon launch a study specifically for SPS staff. Please be on the look out for more information sent to your district email address. The activity shouldn't take longer than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time!

It is clear from many, many threads and comments that to talk about the Highly Capable Cohort (formerly known as APP) is to start a discussion about equity.  I think that equity is certainly a part of the picture but to focus only on that is a disservice to all children who would benefit from the program.   I'll say that again; there are children - especially those of color - who are not being found and served.  THAT is the real issue.   (Editor's note: we are going to have a calm discussion here, looking for solutions.  If your solution is to dissolve the program, certainly say that but please have a real reason why.) There are other threads where we could rehash history but let's go to the Cliff Notes and then onto discussion.  (I do plan another thread on race and equity in this district as the issue of HCC seems to be some kind of uniform rallying cry around equity which I find odd.  Like many other issues, it seems to be a confluence o...

The district has been tweeting about this for a couple of weeks and they announced that it's here.  The SPS High School Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding SPS high school student athletes, teams, coaches, administrators and athletic supporters. Our first class of inductees includes at least one from each of the 10 current high schools plus three schools currently not in existence. The Hall of Fame is to be run thru SPS but it's unclear to me if the district is in total control of any funds raised. Inaugural Induction Ceremony, Thursday, February 16, 2017 Hosted & Presented by the WAC and 101 Club with our Community Partner, the City of Seattle Tickets are $100 per person for a reception and dinner. There is now also a "Seattle 500" An inspired group of dedicated Seattle Public School alumni, parents, local sports organizations, community members and Seattle area business owners who believe in the importance of givi...

From SPS Communications: Leschi Elementary School will receive a $10,000 grant from tech companies, Softchoice and Lenovo in order to expand the school’s technology development and student learning in classrooms. The money will be used to purchase iPad Airs and OSMO kits for all intermediate classrooms. Students will be able to use the educational tools every day. It's the Lunar New Year (Year of the Rooster); here's Parent Map's list of activities for kids.  I recommend the ones in the International District. Once again, Washington State is near the top for the number of board-certified teachers , nearly 15% for our state and fourth in the nation.  Congrats to all the teachers who went thru this long and difficult process.  Know a great teacher?  From OSPI: 2018 Teacher of the Year nominations are now open Every year the Washington State Teacher of the Year (TOY) program selects one outstanding educator to serve as the Washington State Teacher of t...

Update 2: So much for that.  A great account from the News Tribune about how the Dems attempt when down in flames.  They did try but I am very puzzled that one Dem left before it was done and the Lt. Gov. didn't follow thru (he may have had a reason.) So if the Senate refuses to hear the levy cliff bill, down the district tumbles.  I have to laugh at the argument that the "real" work is McCleary and the levy cliff is a "distraction."  Nearly every single legislator has a school district that will be affected by the levy cliff and boy, when it happens, I hope their constituents howl. Oh, there was this: On Friday, Republicans released an education plan that would eventually avoid the levy cliff if passed by the Legislature. There is analysis of their plan to be done but the early issue you can see is that Seattle will take it on the chin, property tax-wise.  end of update Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/articl...

Please consider calling Washington state Senator John Braun at (360) 786-7638 and ask him to schedule a hearing and vote on the senate floor for HB 1059. I called today and explained about this blog and the aide said they are "getting a LOT of calls" so please keep it up.  

From SPS Communications: Date : Sat., Jan. 28, 2017, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location : Cleveland STEM High School 5511 15th Ave S Seattle, WA 98108