January 25, 2008

Photography © Susie Fitzhugh

District News

Superintendent leads development of strategic plan for School District
Web site developed for access to information, keeping community informed
     Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., is leading the development of a strategic plan for Seattle Public Schools. Input to the plan will include interviews with stakeholders, findings from program and operational reviews, research on best practice from other districts, and feedback from community members. To help ensure that staff, families, and community members have easy access to information about the strategic planning process, we have created a new Strategic Plan Web site. We will keep the site updated with timelines, copies of program and operations reviews, and presentations and reports shared with the School Board. As community meetings are scheduled and opportunities to provide feedback are created, they will be highlighted on the Web site. In addition, an e-mail address has been created for providing feedback at strategicplan@seattleschools.org. On January 30, the School Board will receive a briefing on initial findings of the research and analysis being conducted by consulting firm McKinsey. Materials will be posted on the Web site on January 31. The board work session is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the John Stanford Center auditorium.

Three Reading First schools recognized for gains in achievement data
     The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction reported that Seattle Public Schools was the highest performing large school system in Washington among all districts implementing the Reading First programs for the 2006-2007 school year. Reading First is a federal initiative to ensure that all children read at grade level in English by the end of third grade. Reading First schools in Seattle are: African American Academy; and Brighton, Concord, High Point (now West Seattle), Highland Park, and T.T. Minor elementary schools. Three of the schools – African American Academy, Brighton Elementary and Highland Park Elementary – were recognized for achieving 20 percent gains or greater from fall 2006 to spring 2007. Seattle Public Schools also had more Reading First Schools recognized than any of the other school districts.

All Grades School Fair to be held February 2 at Mercer Middle School
Open Enrollment continues through February 29
     The South and Southeast All Grades School Fair is scheduled for February 2 from 9 a.m. to noon at Mercer Middle School, 1600 Columbian Way S. Open Enrollment for Seattle Public Schools for the 2008-09 school year is scheduled from January 22 to February 29. For more information on the school fair and Open Enrollment, read the full news release or call Enrollment Services at (206) 252-0760. The All Grades School Fair is being provided primarily for the convenience of south and southeast families in conjunction with The Southeast Education Initiative – and as recommended by many south end principals in previous years. The South and Southeast All Grades School Fair at Mercer is open to all schools.

Beacon Hill designated second elementary International School

Curriculum to include Spanish and Chinese Mandarin Immersion Programs      Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., announced that Beacon Hill Elementary School will become an International School beginning in the 2008-2009 school year. Beacon Hill is only the second international elementary school in the District, joining the John Stanford International School. Led by Beacon Hill Principal Susie Murphy, the school will offer three key programs next fall: Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion, Chinese Mandarin/English Partial Immersion, and an English Language International Program. The international education program will also integrate global perspectives into the curriculum, stressing multicultural literature, world economics, global health and arts, music, dance and drama from around the world. A full news release is on the District Web site. Beacon Hill students, top photo, sing along during one of the Chinese Mandarin language classes held during the day. Instructor Chia Chia Wang, right photo, goes over Mandarin characters with students.

School Board Update: January 23 meeting highlights
     January is “School Board Appreciation Month,” so at the January 23 School Board meeting Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, School Superintendent, thanked board members for their commitment to the children of Seattle, and for stepping up to a very demanding role in our community. The Superintendent also provided an update on a study of the feasibility of a Skills Center and progress on the Denny-Sealth Construction Project. A meeting on Denny-Sealth, at which options will be discussed, is slated for February 4 at Chief Sealth High School. Chief Academic Officer Carla Santorno provided an update on the work the State is doing to set math standards and also presented an annual update on career-technical education. Chief Financial Officer Don Kennedy shared information about the Building Excellence III program.
      The School Board approved several BTA projects for summer construction, including Summit K-12 – exterior renovation and reproofing; Orca at Whitworth – Greenhouse and Science addition; and Lowell – waterline replacement. Additional capital-related actions were also approved.
      Items introduced for action at the February 13 board meeting include a Physical Education Curriculum Adoption and a series of capital items.
      The online agenda includes links to all motions and presentations. The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13. For other board activities, visit the School Board Calendar.
     A work session on the Facilities Master Plan 2020 Update was held prior to the board meeting. Staff provided the board with feedback from a staff and community survey and community meetings; and discussed initial demographic projections. The presentation from the work session as well as other information about the process is available on our Web site. Next steps include a further work session on February 27, introduction of the revised plan on March 12, and action on March 26. .


School grade expansions provide more middle-school options for families
Aki Kurose receives additional resources through Southeast Education Initiative
     With the ongoing implementation of the Southeast Education Initiative and grade expansions of three Seattle Public Schools to K-8, families are able to consider additional middle school options during the Open Enrollment period now through February 29.
     Aki Kurose Middle School is receiving additional resources through the Southeast Education Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to provide high-quality choices for students and families in the South and Southeast. The school is building an extended day program that incorporates core academics, as well as programs in music, world languages, theater and media production. Enhanced yellow school bus service for students living near Aki Kurose will also be provided beginning in 2008-09. The “walk zone ” will be reduced to one mile, which means more students will be eligible for yellow bus service.
     Orca, now a K-6 school, will expand to a K-7 in 2008, then a K-8 in 2009.
     Broadview-Thomson, now a K-6 school, will expand to a K-7 in 2008, then a K-8 in 2009.
     The New School, now a Pre-K-5 school, will expand to a Pre-K-6 in 2008, Pre-K-7 in 2009, then Pre-K-8 in 2010.

Student Celebrations

Eight students selected for Washington Aerospace Scholars program
     Eight high school juniors from Seattle Public Schools were selected as Washington Aerospace Scholars for 2007-08. The students are:
     ■ Casey Anderson - Ingraham High School
     ■ Alexander Ching - Garfield High School
     ■ Sarah Crane - Ingraham High School
     ■ Kaitlyn Loubit-Senear - Ingraham High School
     ■ Helaina Nicklason - Ingraham High School
     ■ Julian Picard - Ingraham High School
     ■ Kimberly Smith - Ingraham High School
     ■ Shanty Wu - Ingraham High School
     The students were among 225 juniors from across the state who were accepted into the first phase of Washington Aerospace Scholars, a distance-learning and summer-residency program. The students are currently studying the history of space exploration, the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, the moon, and Mars. During the summer, selected students will work with scientists and other professionals to plan a human mission to Mars.

Around the schools

Nathan Hale’s radio station KNHC-89.5 FM goes digital on January 25

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, back row, is surrounded by winners of the "Climate Action Now" T-shirt and calendar contest.

Artwork of several students to also appear on calendars Winners of the 2008 Seattle Climate Action Now T-shirt and calendar contest were announced at an awards ceremony on January 16. Names were not available by the School Beat deadline to include in this issue. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and a panel of judges from Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Art Museum, Nordstrom and the arts community announced the winners at the Pavilion at the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park. Students submitted designs based on the theme: "What can you do every day to to be part of the solution to climate change?" The ceremony was attended by school and city officials, as well as family, friends and well-wishers.

Upcoming Events

Learn about federal financial aid at College Goal Sunday on January 27
     Sixty-three percent of students receive an average of $7,400 a year to help pay for college and rely on financial aid to make attending college a reality. However, the paperwork can be confusing, and make it difficult to get started. Parents and students are invited to attend “College Goal Sunday” on January 27 to learn about getting federal financial assistance to attend a university, traditional college, community college, vocational school or technical school. Students will learn how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form required for federal financial assistance for higher education. For more information on this free event, contact Myrna B. Muto at (206) 252-0744 or mmuto@seattleschools.org.

     College Goal Sunday
     Sunday, January 27
     2-5 p.m.
     Seattle Central Community College, Room 1110
     1701 Broadway

Discussion on state education funding scheduled for January 28
The public is invited to attend a Seattle Council PTSA meeting on January 28 to discuss the financial impacts of the No Child Left Behind legislation and other unfunded education reform measures. Special guests will be: Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent; Cheryl Chow, Seattle School Board President and member of the Basic Education Funding Task Force; and Paola Maranan, Executive Director of Children’s Alliance. Get more information about how our students are impacted, what efforts are under way, and how you can advocate to make a difference for all kids. For more information, contact Sharon Rodgers at (206) 364-7430 or president@seattlecouncilptsa.org.

     Washington state education funding:
     How it impacts your student and what you can do about it
     Monday, January 28
     6:30 p.m. - Snacks and networking
     7 p.m. - meeting
     John Stanford Center, Auditorium
     2445 Third Ave. S.

Learn new ways to teach and learn science, math at January 30 meeting
     The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (WBBA) is hosting a breakfast and several presentations on January 30 that demonstrate powerful ways to teach and learn science and math. Speakers will be Ran Hinrichs, of 2b3d and formerly of Microsoft; Ray Yan of Digi Pen Institute; Dennis Schatz of the Pacific Science Center; and Theresa Britschgi of Seattle Biomedical Research Institute's BioQuest. The speakers will demonstrate the most powerful teaching and learning techniques they know. Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools, will help lead a discussion on how these methods can be integrated into student learning. For more information, contact Pam Love, WBBA director of membership at (206) 732-6705 or e-mail pamlove@washbio.org. Register at: http://www.washbio.org/cde.cfm?event=196147.

     Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association
     Improving K-12 Science and Math Education
     Wednesday, January 30
     7:30-9 a.m.
     Pacific Science Center
     200 Second Ave. N.
     Registration: $50 for WBBA members;
     $75 for nonmembers;
     $20 for educators, students or PTSA members

Local author to speak at 'Adams Reads' event on February 1
     Adams Elementary School will hold its first “Adams Reads” event on February 1, at which local author Linda Johns will talk about writing and her book, “Hannah West is the Center of the Universe.” Auctions and fund-raisers allowed Adams PTA to purchase and distribute the books to every family at the school. For more information, contact Marlene Friend, Adams Librarian, at mfriend@seattleschools.org, or Jennifer Burke, Adams Volunteer Coordinator, at jenandjerry@blarg.net. Both can also be contacted at (206) 252-1300.

     Adams Reads
     Friday, February 1
     7-8:15 p.m.
     Adams Elementary School, Cafeteria
     6110 28th Ave. N.W.

Symposium scheduled for February 8 and 9 on: 'Brown Undone? The Future of Integration in Seattle After PICS v. Seattle School District No. 1'
     Seattle University School of Law is sponsoring a symposium on the future of integration after the PICS (Parents Involved In Community Schools) case. The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2007 decision is widely considered a landmark by advocates from all viewpoints. In this symposium, distinguished civil rights leaders in law, education, school administration and the community, reflecting a broad array of opinion, will examine the Court’s decision and discuss its impact upon future efforts toward diversity in public education. Continuing Education Credits for P-12 has been applied for (up to 14 hours), and Registration fee is $25 for one day/$50 for both days of the symposium for Seattle Public Schools employees, students, and the general public.  For information and registration, visit the School of Law Web site at http://www.law.seattleu.edu/cle/archive/2008/brown?mode=flash.

     Brown Undone? The Future of Integration in Seattle After PICS v. Seattle School District No. 1
     Friday, February 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     Saturday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     Seattle University School of Law
     901 12th Ave.

Help advocate for students at Legislative Focus Day on February 13
     Join Seattle PTA members and other PTA members from across the state on February 13 to help advocate for increased education funding for our students during Legislative Focus Day 2008 in Olympia. A full day of activities are planned, including listening to briefs on Washington State PTA's priority issues, visiting legislators and staff, attending legislative hearings, and networking with other advocates. Several Seattle participants are car pooling from locations near Loyal Heights Elementary, Hamilton Middle School and Orca. To offer to drive or to sign up for a ride, contact the Seattle Council PTSA at legislative@seattlecouncilptsa.org or leave a message at (206) 364-7430. For additional information on Focus Day, go the the Washington state PTA Web site at http://www.wastatepta.org/

     Washington state PTA Legislative Focus Day
     Wednesday, February 13
     Legislative Building, Olympia
     416 Sid Snyder Ave. S.W.
     Olympia, 98504

Interagency students to perform 'Winter Tales' on February 15 and 16
Six students enrolled at the Interagency High School program at the University District Youth Center will perform "Winter Tales," a collection of poems, songs and monologues, including selections from Tim Burton's "A Nightmare Before Christmas." The performance, presented by Sanctuary Art Center, will last approximately 45 minutes and tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $12. To reserve your seat in advance or for more information, contact Annie Cotton at (206) 522-6256 or admin@sanctuaryartcenter.org.

     Winter Tales
     Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. and
     Saturday, February 16 at 3 p.m.
     University Lutheran Church
     1604 N.E. 50th St.

Franklin High PTSA plans fund-raiser on March 1 to benefit Grad Night
     Franklin High School's PTSA is presenting the "Feast of Franklin" Banquet and Auction on March 1. The event will help reduce the costs of the school's Grad Night Party and create a scholarship fund to make Grad Night affordable and accessible for all seniors. Tickets are $45 and the PTSA is still looking for auction items and sponsors. For more information, contact Angela Toussaint at (206) 551-6696 or angelatou@msn.com

     Feast of Franklin Banquet and Auction
     Saturday, March 1
     6-9 p.m.
     Museum of Flight
     9404 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila

School and District Events Calendar

     If you would like to know about current special school events, fund-raisers 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 type.

We Need Your Ideas

     The Public Affairs 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 February 11 for the February 14 issue of School Beat.

In the News

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

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