Sept. 14, 2007

Photograph © Susie Fitzhugh

District News

Our District had a great start to the school year. Thanks to every staff member, parent, guardian and volunteer who helped our students to be prepared to learn. I visited 10 schools on the first day, accompanied by my executive team. I focused first on the schools that were consolidated, or that moved to a new location. I especially want to compliment everyone involved with making the transitions smooth for families and students. Our team was warmly greeted at each school, and it was great to see students engaged in learning.     There is nothing more motivating than looking into the eyes of each of our students - where I see hope, dreams, and unlimited potential. My views on some of the system-wide changes we must make to realize that potential are described in several documents that you may wish to refer to. First, the entry plan I announced in July guides the work that I am doing these first few months. Second, at the Board Meeting on Sept. 5, I provided an overview of areas of focus for the future. Third, an Opinion Editorial ran in the Seattle Times on Sept. 6 that describes where we are as a system and explains the next steps to developing a strategic long-range plan.       I wish you the very best for this school year and look forward to seeing you in our schools and around our community. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., Superintendent ?Every student achieving, everyone accountable.?

Superintendent to speak at two group meetings - Sept. 17 and 24
     Two leading parent, guardian and community groups are hosting opportunities this month to meet and hear from School Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson.
■ At 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, Dr. Goodloe-Johnson will be a guest at the annual meeting of Communities and Parents for Public Schools, a network of parents and community members working together to ensure quality public schools for all Seattle children.
■ At 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 24, Dr. Goodloe-Johnson will be a guest at the first general membership meeting of the year of the Seattle Council PTSA, a citywide coalition of local PTAs.
     The meetings are open to the public and will be held at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, 3445 Third Ave S. (Corner of Third Avenue South and South Lander).

Deadline is Oct. 8 to turn in forms for testing to academically gifted programs
     Testing for eligibility as Academically Highly Gifted or Academically Gifted is necessary to enroll in the District's Accelerated Progress Program or Spectrum program. The deadline is Oct. 8 to turn in nomination forms for the school year 2007-08 testing cycle. Information on the Eligibility Testing Process is on the District's Advanced Learning Web site.

Board considers "Weighted Staffing Standards" model for school funding
     Over the past two years, Seattle Public Schools staff and the School Board have considered a change in the method of funding schools. On Sept. 5, a motion was introduced to the School Board that sets out guiding principles for the "Weighted Staffing Standards" model. Staff and the community are invited to attend informational meetings to comment on the proposal. The Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal Oct. 17. Additional information is available in a FAQ document.

Seattle elementary and middle school students make
and sustain academic gains in reading, writing, math and science
     Recently released WASL scores indicate that gains made in 2006 in the percentage of Seattle Public Schools students meeting standard were sustained or increased in most areas in 2007. The exceptions to this trend were results for tenth grade (all subjects) and for eighth grade in reading. Seattle continues to do well compared with state performance. A full news release on the WASL scores is on the District Web site.

Beautifully restored and renovated Cleveland High School re-opens
All-School Reunion, Open House planned for Sept. 22-23
     The beautifully restored and renovated Cleveland High School was re-opened and dedicated Sept. 4. The $68 million project, under construction for the past two years, was made possible by voters who approved the $398 million Building Excellence II capital levy in February 2001.
      The project included partial demolition and renovation of the existing historic 1927 building, significant modernization in other areas of the building, and demolition of the existing gymnasium. The project increases student capacity from 783 to 1,000, while still providing spaces for small learning communities within the school.
      The Cleveland Alumni Association will hold an All-School Reunion and Open House Sept. 22-23. Details are in the "Coming Up" section of this newsletter.

Board President Cheryl Chow appointed to state task force on K-12 funding
     Board President Cheryl Chow has been appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire to serve on the state?s new Task Force on Basic Education Finance. Washington state provides one of the lowest (42nd) rates of per pupil K-12 funding in the nation, so this work is a critical step toward establishing adequate and sustainable funding for Seattle Public Schools and school systems throughout the state.
      The task force will review the current definition of basic education and develop options for a new basic education funding structure. Its main charge is to recommend a comprehensive K-12 financing formula, building on the results of Washington Learns and specified legislative priorities. Any plan the panel recommends must be linked to accountability for student outcomes. The work of the committee is phased, with final recommendations due in September 2008. For additional detail, refer to the Washington State School Director?s Association newsletter.

School Board supports 4204: Simple majority for school levies
     The Seattle School Board at its Sept. 5 meeting voted on a resolution to support 4204 ? a ballot measure allowing a simple majority of voters to approve local school district levies. The measure will be placed before voters on the Nov. 6 state general election. The measure is a proposed amendment to the Washington state constitution that provides for a simple majority of voters (50 percent + 1) to authorize excess capital, maintenance and operation, and transportation levies for school districts. The amendment also removes the 40 percent election validation requirement for levy elections. Currently, school levies must receive both a 60 percent supermajority approval and meet the 40 percent validation requirement to pass. The ballot measure applies only to school levies and does not apply to school bond elections.

School Board adopts revisions to religion policy and procedure
     The School Board approved revisions to the District’s existing Religion Policy and Procedures (D150.00 and D150.01) during an August 15 board meeting. The policy changes address the District’s obligation to reasonably accommodate the religious beliefs of students and staff by creating a consistent and uniform process for reviewing requests and granting accommodations. More details are in a news release on the District Web site.

Work continues on new Student Assignment Plan
     One of the changes on the horizon for Seattle Public Schools is a new way of assigning children to schools. The new plan will be designed to provide every student with access to a quality education that supports enhanced academic achievement. Major changes are expected to begin to take effect for the 2009-2010 school year.
     In June 2007, the School Board approved a framework that provides the big picture of the new plan. There are many details to work through to ensure the plan is thorough and implementation is smooth. The work includes extensive modeling that will take into account demographic trends, class size, building capacity and other factors. Reference areas must be reviewed and adjusted to match capacity with student population. Input from families is vital, so Seattle Public Schools will hold a series of community meetings later in the school year.
     An improved component of the Student Assignment Plan framework is the Southeast Education initiative. The plan calls for a three-year investment and supports, with a focus on Aki Kurose Middle School, and Cleveland and Rainier Beach high schools.
     The District Web site includes details of the Student Assignment Plan framework, and will be updated regularly with new information. Community forums and other ways to comment on the plan will also be posted.

Michael Tolley appointed High School Director
Scott Whitbeck appointed Interim Elementary Instructional Director
     Michael Tolley was appointed High School Director effective Sept. 1. Tolley, who has worked in the Charleston County School District in South Carolina, has more than 10 years experience as a high school principal and senior leader. Tolley served for one year as interim Associate Superintendent in Charleston. In this role, he had direct supervision of 17 schools across all K-12 levels, including eight Title I schools. A full news release on his appointment is on the District Web site.
     Scott Whitbeck was appointed Interim Elementary Instructional Director. Whitbeck has worked for 18 years as an administrator, five at the district level and 13 as a building principal. He began his career as a teacher in Grades K-5 in the Kent, Darrington and Mukilteo school districts; was a principal and special projects administrator in the Sumner School District; a coordinator of professional and organizational development in Tacoma, and principal of Edison School in Tacoma for the past three years.
     Pat Sander, currently an Elementary Instructional Director, will be on special assignment to support the Flight School and Southeast Education Initiatives. In this role, Pat will work with the Flight Schools to coordinate their efforts around relevant family engagement, staff professional development and curriculum alignment. Pat will work further with the Southeast Education Initiative schools to develop a plan for implementing the ambitious goals set out in the Board Action on this topic.

Student Celebrations

32 students named Semifinalists in 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program
     Thirty two students from Seattle Public Schools were named Semifinalists Sept. 12 in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented students will compete for scholarships with about 16,000 other semifinalists from across the nation. Finalists will be announced in four nationwide news releases in spring 2008, beginning in April and ending in July.
     The Semifinalists are:

     About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners. Merit Scholars are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
     The following Merit Scholarship awards will be offered in spring 2008:
      ■ 2,500 National Merit Scholarships;
      ■ 1,100 corporate-sponsored scholarships; and
      ■ 4,600 college-sponsored scholarships.

Ballard, Ingraham students excel at international business leadership conference
     Two Seattle Public Schools students, representing the state of Washington, earned top honors in the awards program at the Future Business Leaders of America 2007 National Leadership Conference held June 28-July 1 in Chicago.
     ■ Henry Weiss, a student at Ingraham High School, placed first in C++ Programming; and
     ■ Jillian Goodreau, a student at Ballard High School, placed third in Investments.
     The students competed against state representatives from across the United States and worldwide.

Students attend conference on prevention of underage drinking
     Three Seattle Public Schools students joined about 1,500 other participants from across the country at an August conference that focused on the prevention of underage drinking. The students – Briesha Dyess from Cleveland High School; and Purnell Mitchell, Jr. and Adrian Ortiz, from West Seattle High School – are members of the “Stop Youth Drinking, Start Thinking Coalition” in the Madison Middle School community.
     The Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center 9th Annual Leadership Conference, held in Orlando, showcased proven examples of community groups and law enforcement working together to effectively address out-of-control house parties, drunken driving and binge drinking.  Alcohol still remains the No. 1 killer of youth – 6.5 times more than all other illegal drugs combined.
     For more information about the conference or what you can do in the West Seattle community to reduce underage drinking, contact Renaé T. Gaines, community coordinator, Strategic Prevention Framework -- State Incentive Grant at (206) 252-9179 or rtgaines@seattleschools.org.

Garfield High junior selected for D.C. congressional page program

Philmon Haile, 16, a Garfield High junior, has been selected to serve as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. during the fall term.      Haile’s selection is especially poignant because his family emigrated from Eritrea where his father fought for independence and was wounded in battle.       Philmon has a long list of academic achievements, including maintaining a high grade point average, winning the school’s “What a Marvelous Student” award six times, winning a National Honor Roll award two years in a row, and receiving the Ku’ Onesha Award, which is the academic achievement award given to African-Americans at Garfield.       He is a member of the Key Club, Kiwanis, One World Now! and Team Read. A full news release is on the School District Web site.

Garfield graduate wins world championship in International Linguistics Olympiad
     Adam Hesterberg, a 2007 graduate of Garfield High School, won the individual competition in the 5th International Linguistics Olympiad held August 1-4 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Hesterberg was part of an eight-member team from the United States that competed against teams from eight different countries.
     The Olympiad is a yearly event in which secondary school students compete by solving linguistics problems, posed mostly in languages they have never learned. This year, there were problems in Braille, Turkish, Tatar, Georgian, Movima (Bolivia), Hawaiian and others.

Ballard film students win regional festival
     Two productions by students in the Ballard High School Video Production Program are among the winners of the 31st Annual Young People’s Film & Video Festival.  The winners in the short film category are:
     ■ “Nice Touch” (about the power of music to bring people together) by Alec MacLurg, Ben Steiner and Kevin Vitz-Wong,
     ■ “Tile M for M-U-R-D-E-R” (about a deadly serious game of scrabble) by Michael Gore, Sami Kubo, and Kyle Seago. 

Staff Celebrations

Cleveland and Ingraham teachers selected to participate in Microsoft forum;
Microsoft Education Program recognizes exemplary learning teams
     Three high school teachers ? Nicole Davis, Jocelyn Co, and Peter Colino, two from Cleveland High School and one from Ingraham High School ? have been selected from a national pool of candidates to participate in the 2007 Microsoft U.S. Innovative Teachers Forum. The forum, scheduled for Sept. 27-28, is one of a series of regional events hosted by Microsoft around the world as part of the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Program. The forums are designed to recognize and reward outstanding examples of educators who enhance teaching and learning through the use of technology. The three teachers were one of 20 learning teams invited to the forum in recognition for their outstanding efforts.

IGNITE program and its founder receive national recognition in D.C. ceremony
     Seattle Public Schools’ IGNITE (Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution) program received national recognition July 19 at a congressional and media briefing in Washington, D.C. Cathi Rodgveller, IGNITE founder and coordinator, was recognized for her accomplishments in getting female students to enroll in more technology programs.
     IGNITE is an innovative program that connects high school girls with professional women in technology careers. The program was the 2007 winner of the national “Programs and Practices that Work: Preparing Students for Nontraditional Careers” Award, a project that identifies local or state educational agencies across the country that have implemented effective programs and practices for improving access and success of students pursuing careers nontraditional for their gender.
     Two years after its formation, IGNITE increased female enrollment in the Cisco Networking Academies by 35 percent to 80 percent in targeted Seattle high schools. Later, in 2005-2006, fully 50 percent of the students completing the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification were female. During a recent summer, 66 percent of the high school internship positions at Microsoft were filled by IGNITE students. Since IGNITE began in 2000, more than 10,000 high school female students have participated in its programs.

Garfield High jazz director receives 2007 Mayor's Award

Clarence Acox Jr., musician and director of Garfield High School’s jazz program and its renowned jazz ensemble, received the 2007 Mayor’s Award at a ceremony August 31 at Seattle Center’s Northwest Court. The Seattle Arts Commission reviewed nearly 200 public nominations and recommended that Acox and six other artists receive the award.      Acox is an instrumental figure in the Seattle music scene. He has nurtured young musicians for the past 35 years as director of jazz bands at Garfield High School, where he leads the renowned Garfield Jazz Ensemble. The group has won dozens of awards and has made regular appearances at national and international venues. Read more about Acox and the other recipients here.

Three school leaders named 2006-07 Distinguished Principals
      Three school leaders from Seattle Public Schools were voted Distinguished Principals for the 2006-07 school year and will be honored on Oct. 15. The Association of Washington School Principals will recognize the individuals during its conference in Vancouver, Wash.
     The honorees are:
     ■ Robert T. Gary, Jr., principal, Rainier Beach High School, Metro 3A League
     ■ Nels H. Enquist, assistant principal, Chief Sealth High School, Metro 3A League
     ■ Bruce R. Bivins, assistant principal, Franklin High School, Kingco 4A League

Eat Better, Feel Better program expanding to four other schools
     The “ Eat Better, Feel Better” program, developed to support a healthy school environment by focusing on nutrition and physical activity, is expanding in October to four other elementary schools – Concord, Emerson, John Muir and Van Asselt. The program was piloted at TT Minor Elementary during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years.
     The successful program promotes nutrition education in the classroom and school environment; develops and implements nutrition and physical activity guidelines; and creates special programs that support healthy eating and active living, such as family nights, assembly programs, after-school programs and activities, and taste tests.
     For more information on the Eat Better, Feel Better program, contact Katie Busby @ kabusby@seattleschools.org.

Around the Community

Flu prevention program to be broadcast on SPS-TV - Channel 26
     "Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves” – a  humorous and informative video designed to encourage people to prevent the spread of disease by properly covering their coughs and sneezes – will air on SPS-TV beginning Monday, Oct. 8.
     With colds and flu season approaching, the program encourages viewers to adopt proper coughing and sneezing techniques. The practices outlined in this entertaining 5-minute video follow the infection control guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
     This program is broadcast on Seattle Public Schools Television (SPS-TV) on Cable Channel 26 in the greater Seattle area on Comcast Cable system and Cable Channel 75 on Millennium Cable.

Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves
Air Dates: Oct. 8, 2007, to Feb. 29, 2008:
     ■ Daily: 7 a.m.-7:05 a.m. (English); 7:05 a.m.-7:10 a.m. (Spanish)
     ■ Wednesdays: 12:30 p.m.-12:35 p.m. (English); 12:35 p.m.-12:40 p.m. (Spanish)
     ■ Thursdays and Saturdays: 8 p.m.-8:05 p.m. (English); 8:05 p.m.-8:10 p.m. (Spanish)

Coming Up

School staff, parents invited to participate in Governor's Health Bowl
     The Washington Health Foundation is inviting all teachers, staff and parents to participate in the 2007 Governor?s Health Bowl, from Sept. 18 to Nov. 1. The Health Bowl is an annual competition that offers the opportunity for everyone to get involved in the Healthiest State in the Nation Campaign and to build challenges around fitness and knowledge about our state?s health.
     Participation is free and each school will earn a chance to win monetary prizes. Two prizes of $5,000 each will be awarded to the top schools based on mileage in the Governor?s Health Bowl School Challenge and answers on the Coordinated School Health questionnaire. To get started, click on this link to register. For questions, contact Gina Legaz at (206) 438-6110 or GinaL@whf.org.

Chief Sealth to host Nobel Peace Prize laureate for ceremonial tree planting
     Chief Sealth High School will host professor Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on Sept. 19, for a ceremonial tree planting as part of Project Earth Care, an environmental project created by Chief Sealth students. Maathai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement, a group that provides income and sustenance to millions of people in Kenya through the planting of trees.
     To launch the event, Chief Sealth will host the Seattle Earth Summit II in its Little Theater at the campus. World famous nature photographer Art Wolfe will serve as the keynote speaker. For more information on the events, see the news release on the District Web site or contact teacher Gary Thomsen at (206) 252-8598.

Seattle Earth Summit II
9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19
Chief Sealth High School
2600 S.W. Thistle

Project Earth Care ceremonial tree planting
11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19
Pelly Place Ravine
Off Lincoln Park Way on Murray Avenue (just north of Lincoln Park)

Cleveland Alumni Association to hold Open House Sept. 22-23
     The Cleveland High School Alumni Association will hold an Open House on Sept. 22 and 23 for the beautifully renovated Cleveland High School. Following is the schedule of events for Sept. 22:
     ■ 10 a.m., reception for Golden Grads (pre-1958);
     ■ 10:30 a.m., Chat Rooms open for graduates from 1958 through the 1970s;
     ■ noon, welcoming ceremonies and entertainment start in the gym; and
     ■ 1 p.m., Chat Rooms open for graduates from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
      On Sept. 23, there also will be a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by self-guided tours of the school from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cleveland Open House
Cleveland High School
5511 15th Ave. S.
     All School Reunion and Open House -- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22 ;
     Pancake Breakfast and Tours -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 23

School and District Events Calendar

If you would like to know about current special school events, fundraisers or other district events, go online to the District Events Calendar where you can see what?s going on monthly at Seattle Public Schools or search for specific events by date, school and event type.

We Need Your Ideas

The Communications office is always looking for stories on interesting classroom projects, inspirational people, or events in our schools to share with the greater Seattle community. We often highlight stories submitted by school staff for potential media coverage as well as district and community publications. For examples of stories we have published in the past, please visit this link. We would like to hear from you. If you have a unique story to share please send your ideas directly to goodnews@seattleschools.org. The deadline for submissions is Sept 24 for the Sept. 27 issue of School Beat.

In the News

For a sampling of this week?s local newspaper stories on Seattle Public Schools, please click here.

SCHOOL BEAT is an electronic newsletter covering district and school-based news and is published twice a month for the employees of Seattle Public Schools.