Important Dates:
September 5:
First Day of School
September 14:
Nominations for School-Family Partnerships Advisory Committee Due
September 17:
Superintendent Meeting, Mercer MS
September 18:
Superintendent Meeting, Rainier Beach HS
September 20:
BEX IV Meeting, Whitman MS
September 24:
BEX IV Meeting, Madison MS
September 27:
BEX IV Meeting, McClure MS
October 1:
Superintendent Meeting, Bryant Elementary
October 2:
Superintendent Meeting, Concord International Elementary
October 8:
Superintendent Meeting, Hamilton International MS
More Information
(206) 364-7430
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Dear PTA and PTSA Leaders,
We'd like to congratulate Rainier Beach PTSA President Carlina Brown for being a White House "Champion of Change." Carlina was one of twelve PTA leaders chosen from across the country to visit the White House this past weekend. This is a tremendous honor. We are lucky to have such a great leader in Seattle.
We'd also like to welcome Carlina to the Seattle Council PTSA Board as Co-Director for the SE Area. We'd also like to welcome back Monica Mace, our former Treasurer, who will now serve as Area Director for NE Seattle.
We had a great turnout at our annual PTA Leaders and Principal Breakfast this year. We'd like to thank everyone who attended on behalf of their school. We hope you had great conversations about family engagement for the upcoming school year. We'd like to thank Superintendent Jose Banda and School Board President Michael DeBell for addressing parents. We'd also like to thank parent Wendy Ostenson for presenting the "Promising Practices in School & Family Partnerships" book. This book contains examples of family engagement activities done throughout Seattle and was distributed at the breakfast to parent leaders and principals at the breakfast last week.
Does your school want to share its activities with other schools in Seattle? Send them along to info@seattlecouncilptsa.org and we'll make sure they are sent to the School Family Partnership Advisory Committee (SFPAC). Interested in serving on the SFPAC or know people in your community who would like to serve on this group? Read below for more information.
Sincerely,
Lauren McGuire
Rita Sheckler
Co-Presidents SCPTSA |
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| Carlina Brown, Rainier Beach High School PTSA President, Honored at the White House
Congratulations to Carlina Brown who was honored this past weekend, along with 11 other PTA members at the White House, as "Champions of Change." These extraordinary parents have devoted their time and effort to their PTA chapters across the country and will have the opportunity to share their stories with Administration officials and PTA members across the country. The White House's Champions of Change program was created to honor ordinary Americans doing great work in their communities. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
Carlina Brown is a mother of 4. She started family advocacy as a Parent Representative to the Policy Council with Headstart almost 20 years ago. She currently serves as PTSA President at Rainier Beach High School and Co-Director for South East Seattle for Seattle Council PTSA.
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Seattle Public Schools Seeks Nominations for School-Family Partnerships Advisory Committee
-From SPS
Seattle Public Schools is seeking nominations for its School-Family Partnerships Advisory Committee to the Superintendent. The committee will be comprised of parents/families/guardians who reflect the diversity of Seattle Public Schools families. To be considered, the nomination form must be turned in by Friday, September 14. |
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WSPTA Opposes Charter School Initiative I-1240
-From WSPTA
This weekend at the Washington State PTA (WSPTA) Leadership Conference, the WSPTA Board voted to oppose Initiative 1240, also known as the Charter School Initiative. I-1240 will be on the ballot this November. The Board also voted to oppose Initiative 1185, the initiative that reinstates a two-thirds legislative majority to raise taxes and fees, including ending tax exemptions.
While the WSPTA may take a position on certain issues, each local PTA and council may choose to take their own position on these and other issues. |
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Seattle Public Schools has Changed the Way its Buildings and Spaces are Rented and Reserved
-From SPS
SPS has introduced a new online building reservation system, which will simplify reserving space at our schools. It is called "FS Direct (Facility Services Direct) and Community Use" reservation system. It's an online system, so paper permits will no longer be used. The new system will be activated September 1, 2012.
More information. |
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Superintendent Banda will be holding Family and Community Regional Meetings this Fall
-From SPS
Seattle Public Schools is partnering with the Seattle Council PTSA to hold five family and community meetings this fall with Superintendent Banda. We invite you to come and meet Superintendent Banda, and hear his vision for Seattle Public Schools.
Central: September 17, 6-7:30pm at Mercer Middle School, 1600 S Columbian Way, Seattle, 98108
Southeast: September 18, 6-7:30pm at Rainier Beach High School, 8815 Seward Park S., Seattle, 98118
Northeast: October 1, 6-7:30pm at Bryant Elementary School, 3311 NE 60 St., Seattle, 98115
West Seattle: October 2, 6-7:30pm at Concord International Elementary School, 723 S Concord St., Seattle, 98108
Northwest: October 8, 6-7:30pm at Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N 41 St., Seattle, 98103 |
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BEX IV September 2012 Community Meetings Schedule
-From SPS
Seattle Public Schools will host three community meetings on September 20, 24 and 27 to share information and ask for comments about building construction projects to be included in the Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) Capital Levy package. Once approved by the School Board, the BEX IV Capital Levy resolution will be submitted to Seattle voters in February 2013.
The community meeting dates are:
Thursday, September 20, 6:30-8:00pm at Whitman Middle School
Monday, September 24, 6:30-8:00pm at Madison Middle School
Thursday, September 27, 6:30-8:00pm at McClure Middle School
For more information on BEX IV, please visit: www.bit.ly/SPSBEX |
Help Your PTA Learn More about the School Levies and How to Support Them
-From Schools First
Two crucial levy renewals will be on the ballot this school year. The first, an Operations Levy, funds approximately 30% of the District's operating budget. Past operating levies partially paid for instructional programs; costs related to full-day kindergarten; a sixth period at high schools; student activities such as athletics, drama and music; bilingual and special education services; textbooks and classroom supplies; transportation and security. The second, a Capital Levy (BEX IV), funds building and infrastructure projects. It is expected that BEX IV will, in part, be used to address over capacity issues in the District by creating new or improved classroom space.
Historically, many PTAs have endorsed the levies, provided a PTA donation to the campaign and school parents have actively volunteered to support passage of the levies. Schools First, the non-profit, volunteer coalition that campaigns for renewal of the levies, has speakers available to come to one of your meetings to share information about the levies and discuss the endorsement/donation process. Please contact Kerry Cooley-Stroum, who will be on the Scholars at Garfield/PTA Academic Committee this year, at kcs@seanet.com for more information, and to schedule a brief presentation for your September board meeting. More information is available at www.schoolsfirstseattle.org.
Thank you,
Greg Wong, Schools First President |
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