Center School students connect nation-wide audience with school's story

"We wanted to do something that made sense and made a difference," says Alyssa, one of the Center School student filmmakers.  "We wanted to make a connection between the story of the Center School and the world."  Read more...

Friends and Colleagues,

The back-to-school season can be a time of both nostalgia and anticipation.  As moms, we find ourselves recalling our own school days while simultaneously projecting forward with hope and excitement for our children.  If we do our jobs right as parents, educators and administrators, the year ahead will be one of growth, accomplishment and joy.

Last year was a challenging year for Seattle Public Schools.  The disclosure of financial improprieties, followed by a change in Superintendent, left many families feeling unsettled about the direction of our district.

Thankfully, since March, under the leadership of Interim Superintendent Susan Enfield, district operations have stabilized.  The focus is now back squarely where it belongs: academic achievement for all students.   With new energy throughout the district and the renewed commitment of the Seattle community, we are confidently looking forward to a great year ahead.  Just last week the state announced that SPS students met or exceeded standard on state exams at a higher rate than the statewide average in every tested subject in grades 3-8 in the 2010-2011 academic years.  This is very encouraging.

At the Alliance, we are on a mission to ensure every child in Seattle Public Schools is prepared for success in college, career and life.  We have and will continue to act as a consistent, unwavering voice for the interests of students. Through our targeted investments in leadership development, effective teaching and academic rigor, we are more focused than ever on effective ways to support and improve public education in Seattle.

A quality education comes as the result of investment - investing our collective time, energy and resources in our youth.  Most of all it is an investment of emotion.  If we devote ourselves fully to the success of all children - really, truly engage with the full force of our hearts and minds - our families and city will reap dividends for years.

Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, talks frequently of "leaning in" to life.  Do not lean back; lean in.  Invest with your head and your heart.  We are leaning in to Seattle Public Schools. 

Pam MacEwan

Public Affairs & Governance

Group Health Cooperative;

Board of Directors Chair 

Alliance for Education     

Sara Morris

President & CEO

Alliance for Education

Education Series: A Conversation with Michael K. Young Incoming President, University of Washington, September 13

Education Series: The Best Teachers for our Children, September 30

Family & Community Symposium, October 15

9th Annual Black & Orange Ball, October 22

See it. Be it. Explore your Future Career, November 19

TEACHER VOICES

Seattle Public Schools art teacher wins prestigious award for innovation in classroom

The Alliance is on a mission to ensure all students in Seattle Public Schools are prepared for college, career and life. 

We believe that all students deserve a quality education, regardless of where they live or the challenges they may face. You can help make that happen by supporting our work today.