seattleschools.org | November 2018
K-5 Students Find Meaning in Learning through 'Center for the Collaborative Classroom'
At elementary schools across the district, a new English language arts instructional resource has enhanced learning in the classroom. Officially adopted in 2017, the Center for the Collaborative Classroom integrates social and emotional learning with literacy.


Seattle Public Schools Sees Increase in 2017-18 Graduation Rates
Seattle Public Schools is a high-performing school district and has continued to see gains in the graduation data for 2017-18. This year’s graduation rate is 82 percent, up three percentage points from last year.

Collectively, in the last five years, graduation rates have increased by 11 percent for all Seattle Public Schools students and 15 percent for historically underserved students of color.
District Will Ask Voters to Renew Levies - February 2019
School districts are funded through state, local, and federal dollars. But there’s currently a gap between what the state funds for K-12 education and what Seattle students need. So, every three years, the district asks voters to consider renewing the operations levy. In addition, school construction is primarily funded by local voter-approved capital levies.

In February 2019, Seattle Public Schools will ask voters to consider renewing two critical levies–one to fund day-to-day operations and one to fund construction to add capacity and rebuild aging schools.
Around our District
Designing School Culture Built on Restorative Practices

Gerald Donaldson, a family support worker at Leschi Elementary, is working to create a safe haven at the school. His work is part of the district’s work in implementing restorative practices throughout all schools and is part of the MTSS approach that attends to the whole child.

Families Encouraged to Update Contact Information to Prepare for Winter Weather

From time to time, winter weather may change the normal schedule at your student's school.

As winter approaches, now is a good time to review how you will receive urgent weather information from Seattle Public Schools and how to manage your communication preferences.

Racial Equity Teams Convene for First Institute

This November, Racial Equity Teams from across the district gathered for the first Racial Equity Institute of the 2018-19 school year.

The purpose of the institute? To understand the roles and responsibilities of the district’s Racial Equity Teams under Policy 0030 Ensuring Educational and Racial Equity, deepen awareness of institutional and structural racism, and strengthen teamwork among colleagues and Seattle Education Association Center for Race & Equity Partners.

District Shares Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Authentic family engagement is critical to student success. Together, parents and classroom teachers are partners in ensuring the student’s academic and social-emotional strengths and needs are supported.

Applications Open for 2019 Title IX Task Force

Seattle Public Schools Office of Civil Rights Department is seeking qualified individuals to apply for openings on the Title IX Task Force. The task force will review if the district meets Title IX legal requirements and demonstrates commitment to safe and civil education and work environments.

The work of the 2019 Title IX Task Force will be used by staff from the Office of Student Civil Rights to prepare a report to the superintendent and school board including, if appropriate, any recommended policy and procedure changes. You are invited to apply.

Applications are due by Fri., Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.

Building a Village to Support Students and Their Families

For Angel Graves and Sharon Peterson, the work rarely ends. They are a dynamic pair of women that work endless hours to fiercely advocate and serve Seattle Public Schools students and families.

Special Education Department to Host First Resource Fair

To help provide information to families of students receiving special education services, Seattle Public Schools Special Education Department will be hosting their first Resource Fair. Representatives from multiple district departments will be available to answer questions and share resources. Childcare will be available.

Thursday, December 6th
6:30-8:00 pm
Roosevelt High School

Tuesday, January 22nd
6:30-8:00 pm
South Lake High School

Community Invited to Provide Feedback for K-8 Science Curriculum

In May 2018, the Seattle Public Schools Science Department began the process of evaluating instructional materials for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The adoption committees — one for elementary and one for middle school — are inviting the community to review all potential materials and provide feedback.

Media Courses Provide Career Connected Learning

This month, The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture released a report on Creative Strategies for Career Connected Learning: Youth Voice in the Media Classroom. The report includes interviews with SPS students, in media arts classrooms, and in-depth interviews with Seattle-based media arts creative workers.  

Dr. Kyle Kinoshita Accepts Leadership in Science Education Award

Dr. Kyle Kinoshita, SPS Executive Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction recently received the Valerie Logan Leadership in Science Education Award from Institute for Systems Biology for his work in improving STEM education at Marysville School District.

The award is presented to community leaders who are committed to an educational practice grounded in research, who build networks among teachers, principals and STEM professionals, and who share in the belief that all young people should have the opportunity to learn science as a gateway for their future.

Superintendent Shares Thanks in Weekly Newsletter

At the November 14 School Board meeting, the Board of Directors and Superintendent Juneau proclaimed that Seattle Public Schools would observe November as Native American Heritage Month and November 23 as Native American Heritage Day. 

Upcoming Dates 2018-19

Nov. 19 - Nov. 21: Elementary Conference Days: No School for Elementary and K-8

Nov. 19: Board Special Meeting: Work Session: Boundaries

Nov. 19: Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) Meeting

Nov. 19: Equity and Race Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov. 20: Advanced Learning Task Force Meeting

Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Break: No School

Nov. 23: Native American Heritage Day: No School 

Nov. 27: Board Special Meeting: Work Session: Families, Ed, Preschool & Promise Plan Levy; Secondary Revisioning

Nov. 28: Board Special Meeting: Work Session: Budget; Advanced Learning

Nov. 28: SpEd PTSA Meet & Greet

Nov. 29: African American Male Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov. 30: End of 1st Trimester

Dec. 1: Board Special Meeting: Board Retreat

Dec. 4: Board Special Meeting: Audit & Finance Quarterly Meeting

Dec. 5: Regular Board Meeting

Dec. 6: Board Special Meeting: Operations Committee

Dec. 6: Science Instructional Materials Adoption Committee

Dec. 6: Special Education Resource Fair

Dec. 7: Student Advisory Board Meeting

Dec. 8: Student Advisory Board Meeting

Dec. 8: District II Community Meeting with Director Burke

Dec. 8: District IV Community Meeting with Director Mack

Dec. 10: Board Special Meeting: Audit & Finance Committee

Dec. 11: Board Special Meeting: Curriculum & Instruction Committee

Dec. 12: Board Special Meeting: Work Session: 2019 Board Goals Development

Dec. 12: SpEd PTSA Meet & Greet

Dec. 13: Board Special Meeting: Executive Committee

Dec. 13: Native Education Parent Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting

Dec. 14: BEX/BTA Capital Programs Oversight Committee

Dec. 17: Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) Meeting

Dec. 18: Advanced Learning Task Force Meeting

Dec. 19: Regular Board Meeting

Dec. 19: Holiday Supper hosted by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation

Dec. 21: 1-Hr Early Dismissal (Holiday Break)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 4: Winter Break: No School

View the District Calendar for details as well as more upcoming events and school year dates.
School Leaders Recognized for Closing Opportunity Gaps

In collaboration with the Alliance for Education, Seattle Public Schools has announced three school leaders have received the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence. The award showcases school leaders who have demonstrated significant achievements in closing opportunity gaps in their school communities. Congratulations to Principal Rena Deese of Alki Elementary School, Principal Chris Carter of Asa Mercer International Middle School, and Principal Anitra Pinchback-Jones of Rainier View Elementary.

Successful High School Transitions are Key Focus for Family Engagement Institute

During the Engaging Families in High School Success Institute, teams from 24 participating Seattle schools joined together to reflect on best practice, brainstorm strategies, and network across school communities to increase 8th and 9th grade family engagement rates.

Middle School Science Teacher Awarded for Excellence

South Shore PK-8 School science teacher, Laura Tyler, has been recently recognized as a 2018 winner of the Patsy Collins Award for Excellence in Education, Environments, and Community by non-profit and environmental learning center IslandWood.

Presented annually to three teachers in Washington schools, an award and $10,000 prize showcases educators' commitment and innovation in connecting classroom learning to their students' environment and communities.

District Offers 2018 Flu Vaccine Clinics

This year, the district rolled out their biggest effort to prevent illness. School nurses partnered with the Visiting Nurse Association to come to approximately 50 schools in November and early December to vaccinate both students and staff. Students are able to get the vaccination regardless of insurance.

Seattle School Board
School Board Approves District Levy Renewal

The School Board approved the district levy renewal package that will be voted on by Seattle voters on Feb. 2019. In January, the district will host informational meetings across the city.

Resources
Seattle Public Schools
Every Student. Every Classroom. Every Day.

www.seattleschools.org 206-252-0000
2445 3rd Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134