Seattle Schools Community Forum

Update 2: I typed too quickly and saw my error in the article about the closure list in the Seattle Times.  Given that state law requires a hearing at every school site that’s slated to close, it would be a tight schedule to make the December vote if the list is unveiled in September. That's right; the public hearing for each school has to happen BEFORE the school is voted on. So apparently, the Superintendent will present a preliminary list in - what? - September, then the public hearings, then the vote in December.  end of update Update: it appears that the Superintendent will NOT be submitting a plan or list for closing schools at Wednesday night's Board meeting. He has a message with several topics in it - including safety - but here's what he says on "well-resourced schools" (bold mine): Board Meeting Update While the rescheduled meeting will occur on June 26, this Regular School Board Meeting will not include a proposed “school closure list.” Inst...

Update: From the Superintendent's messaging this afternoon on well-resourced schools as well as school safety. Commitment to Safety and Security Safety is our top priority. Next school year, we are expanding our plans to include gun violence prevention in high schools and increased mental health support for all grades. I have allocated over $2 million for staff to improve school building exteriors and campus security. Upcoming Safety Changes I am working on several safety changes for next school year in our high schools to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. Throughout the summer, I will be in conversations with our regional and building leaders about the needs of their school communities. The safety changes being considered may include: Increasing SPS security and neighborhood safety organization patrols around our buildings. Wearing identification badges on campus. Requiring clear backpacks. Closing campuses for lunch. Our campus safety improves...

Via the Seattle Special Education page on Facebook: I recently learned about the Lucas Play Project, a project working to pass legislation in Seattle on inclusive playground design for those with mobility disabilities. They need to gather as much community feedback as possible between now and July 10. They have a survey on their website where you can also learn more about them and their proposal. Please share widely.  Please take the survey but also share it within your community. ALL kids deserve a place to play.

  Update I sure missed something in the agenda for the Board meeting this Wednesday.   The Seattle School Board is moving to ONE meeting a month.  The BAR claims some equity reason because of "a review of holiday and religious observance calendars."  Bullshit. This is a result of a previous director who thought that the Board was not representative enough and it was because of too many meetings. Add President Rankin and Director Hersey and you can see where this is going. Near zero committee meetings. And now a SINGLE Board meeting a month. No community meetings, save Director Gina Topp.  This is not oversight. This is not accountability.  I ask you to PLEASE write to the Board and call this out.  spsdirectors@seattleschools.org end of update Congrats to ALL the graduates this year and their supportive, caring parent/sguardians. It's a long road but you did it.    Also, I see today is the last day of school so huzzah! for that.    ...

 Update: From the Seattle Times' David Horsey  end of update The issue of children and use of screens - as well as social media - took center stage this week. Locally, it came in the form of an announcement from Hamilton International Middle School and Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, saying that students will have to lock their phones in pouches when the school day begins.  From the Seattle Times : In Seattle, Hamilton International’s PTSA led the push for that school’s new policy. Cellphone use, along with students wandering the hallways and misbehavior in the bathroom, was one of the issues on which the group briefed Eric Marshall when he started as the school’s principal in August. In Seattle, schools get to decide how cellphones and other personal devices will be used in the buildings. That policy will remain in place, Bev Redmond, the district’s spokesperson and chief of staff said Tuesday. Hamilton International and Robert Eagle Staff are among the first ...

 This is a 25th anniversary celebration , open to all, FREE, on Saturday the 22nd from 10 am to 4pm.  At the center of this event is our commitment to featuring ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab or Native American), LGBTQ+ and female performers and welcoming all communities to enjoy music at Benaroya Hall. Multiple stages throughout Benaroya Hall will host these captivating performances, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent that defines our community.   But that's not all — enjoy film and storytelling presentations in Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center and the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall.

 First off, I am aware that it seems the district is refusing to move waitlists at many schools but especially many Option Schools . Yes, it does seem odd that a district that is desperate for students now will only enroll them at the schools the district wants them to be in.  This is something that needs attention and documentation. I will attempt to do that work. Because when it gets down to the nitty-gritty of closures, if there appears to be a pattern whereby the district is going to be able to make claims about enrollment that are, only on face value, true because they made them so.  I will need your help on collecting that data.    What's up with a near-total overturning of leadership at Nathan Hale High School? I hear the principal and two vice-principals are out (or moved elsewhere).   Feels like the district is trying mightily to clamp down on schools and how they work. I do know that some high school principals are not very happy with no...