SPS opened three pre-K classrooms funded by the city this year: one each at Bailey Gatzert, Van Asselt and at Old Van Asselt.
"This is a terrific opportunity for our kids that we shouldn't let get away,"
said Shelly Hurley, special ed teacher at Graham Hill.
Similar programs in Boston and New Jersey showed that when the school district sponsors the pre-K classrooms, students do better.
Unlike other pre-K programs in the schools, these classrooms are fully integrated into the school.
"The Bailey Gatzert staff and principal have worked to ensure that our young students are included and supported in all aspects of school life," said
Darin Chamberlin, preschool program teacher at Bailey Gatzert. "We read with the reading specialist, problem solve with the school counselor, sing in the assemblies, and partner with the upper grades. We have music class and library story times. At one assembly our kids got to see an opera and they have been supporting each other's efforts with cheers of "bravo" ever since."
"I have seen both students and families grow as we work together toward kindergarten readiness,"
Colin Johnson, parapro in the Van Asselt Pre K class told school board members last month. "Having the opportunity to gain experience in a classroom-setting prior to enrolling in elementary school allows the children in this south Beacon Hill community to feel excited about and confident in their education. Families, who may not otherwise be able to provide a preschool experience to their students, have expressed boundless appreciation for this resource."
Contact the Seattle school board at
[email protected] to let them know that you support expanding quality preschool!
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Thousands "walk in" across Seattle; tens of thousands join in
nationally
Educators, parents and students joined together in dozens of major cities
across the country last week to reclaim our public schools.
"Parents support our schools and the hard work educators are doing," said
Phyllis Campano, SEA vice president. "We need to unite together to push back those who want to make money off our schools, or discredit public education."
We estimate that more than 2500 parents signed our vision boards (plus hundreds of kids!) and joined thousands of us as well. More than 90 of our 100 Seattle schools participated - the highest ratio of participation in the country, according to the national coordinator.
Following the action, a group of parents went to Olympia and shared some of the vision boards with state legislators. A team of Seattle educators went to Olympia a few days later and saw the board prominently on display in their offices. Several legislators, including Pramila Jayapal, state senator in the 37th district, asked to see more of the boards.
"We have many pro-public school legislators representing the Seattle-area, and they are really excited by the work parents and educators are doing together to push for stronger support for education from Olympia," said Campano.
Superintendent Larry Nyland joined our walk in at Washington Middle School, and most principals joined in, too. State legislators and NAACP leaders spoke at several events. Soup for Teachers and many school PTSAs joined in organizing the events.
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Would you like to run for SEA office?
Nominations are now open for all SEA officer positions, Departmental office positions (SAEOP, Parapro and Substitutes) and our Board of Directors. Nominations must be submitted by April 18th. Forms are available by clicking
HERE, on our website under the "Elections" tab or by request to
[email protected].
News from around SEA:
- Congratulations to Gwendolyn Jimerson of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary for being named WEA Educational Support Professional of the Year!
- Would you like to be a Para or SAEOP mentor? Send us your application as we launch what may be the first program of its kind in the country! Applications are due March 18.
- Our new contracts have been on our website for a while (use CTRL+F for easy searching once you open the pdf!) and now paper copies have been sent to each school library.
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Sick Leave Requests:
Members can access the shared leave form on the District website (
www.seattleschools.org). Go to the Human Resources section to access "Current Employees" and "Leaves of Absence" to find the form. Forms can be submitted to
Monica Menchaca, 206-252-0614,
[email protected], leave department analyst.
From
Mellisa Morrin at Interagency: I am a fourth year high school teacher. I have one lung, and due to several bouts of bronchitis this year, my asthma has grown significantly worse. Per my doctor's persistent suggestions, I will be taking leave to heal. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!
From Meg Carlson, School Nurse @ Ballard: I have been off work since late October while my husband has been undergoing cancer treatment for Stage IV cancer. My benefits will run out March 21, 2016 and his doctor has suggested that I can return to work part-time on April 18. My husband will be finished with chemotherapy in late March and by the end of spring break willl hopefully be less dependent on me for his activities of daily living. I would appreciate any donations of time for that month that I will not be receiving any benefits.
From Liberty Sponek at Maple Elementary: I fell and broke three bones in my right leg recently. I was in Harborview for 2 nights, had a 6 hour surgery, and wasn't able to return to work until March 1st. Once I return I will need to take time off over the next several months for follow up appointments and therapy. I will not even be able to start physical therapy for 6 weeks and I will not be able to do any weight bearing exercises for at least 3 months. Unfortunately my sick time ran out already.
I am grateful for the warm, supportive community in which I work. I also know many people are unable to sacrifice their own precious sick time. But if you are able to donate any time, I would be forever grateful.
All para-educators are being asked to consider donating shared leave for
Debra Sund, a Head Start teacher at
Northgate Elementary. Debra has been caring for her 90 year old mother and dealing with her own health issues. She ran out of sick leave 3 weeks ago, and will likely need to take intermittent time off through the end of the school year.
From Jeanne Medalia at Broadview-Thomson: I've been on intermittent medical leave since December, but it turned into full time leave early February. I've already been blessed with donated hours, but they will run out next week. Any little bit helps! I am very
grateful for ANY time you are able to donate since she I am the main source of income for a family of 6."
My name is
Kristin Schwab and I teach 1st grade at
Olympic View. My mother has cancer and her situation is dire. I need to spend as much time possible with her especially when she is having her weekly chemo infusions. Any leave that you can donate would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and consideration.
Please consider donating sick leave to our colleague,
Charlie Ketler. Charlie is the Auto Shop teacher at
West Seattle High School, and is battling cancer.
Danielle Otey at Pathfinder suffered a recent bout of severe pneumonia and finds that her recovery time is going to be longer than expected, so will run out of sick leave. She thanks you for any assistance you can provide.
