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,
Welcome to the start of the 2012-2013 school year! We hope you had a relaxing summer.
What is your PTSA up to this year? Please submit activities or events that your PTSA is supporting so we can share it with the rest of our school communities. Information might include family events focusing on a cultural or academic theme, specific speakers, a special celebration or project. We'd like to know what's going on at your school! Please note we will not advertise individual school fundraisers. Send information to Jo Cross-Whiter at eNews@seattlecouncilptsa.org.
Sincerely,
Jo Cross-Whiter
e-News Editor SCPTSA
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We Need You! SCPTSA is Currently Seeking Four New Board Members for the 2012-2013 School Year
The Seattle Council PTSA has the following Council positions open for the 2012-2013 year: Central Area Director, NE Area Director, SW Area Director and Reflections Chair.
If you know of any great candidates who are interested in issues that affect every child; who routinely attend meetings; is interested in city-wide issues and has a strong commitment to education, please submit their names to us. SCPTSA welcomes potential Board candidates who represent our Seattle communities; who have diverse viewpoints and backgrounds and have the time and energy to make positive changes for all children. Please submit your recommendations to Lauren McGuire and Rita Sheckler at president@seattlecouncilptsa.org.
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Opportunities for Families, Community Members to Meet New Seattle Schools Superintendent
-From SPS and SCPTSA
Seattle Public Schools is partnering with the Seattle Council PTSA to sponsor five community meetings for SPS families and community members to meet Superintendent Jos� Banda in September and October.
During the meetings, the Superintendent will briefly talk about his vision for the school district, followed by informal conversations with those in attendance. Those meetings are scheduled from 6-7:30pm on the following dates:
Monday, September 17 - Mercer Middle School, 1600 S. Columbia Way
Tuesday, September 18 - Rainier Beach High School, 8815 Seward Park Ave. S
Monday, October 1 - Bryant Elementary School, 3311 N.E. 60th St
Tuesday, October 2 - Concord International Elementary School, 723 S. Concord St
Monday, October 8 - Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N. 41st St
"Our schools serve as centers for learning community-wide, and it is critical that we engage families and community members in supporting them," Banda said. "I am firmly committed to developing strong school-community partnerships to enhance academic outcomes for all of our students."
In addition, Superintendent Banda will hold open office hours on the last Thursday of every month during the school year, starting September 27. Each appointment will last 15 minutes, and can be in person in the Superintendent's office at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, or via telephone. To schedule an appointment, contact Venetia Wallace by phone at 206-252-0167 or via email at vhwallace@seattleschools.org.
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Seattle Public Schools Students Again Show Strong Gains in Test Scores
-From SPS
Seattle Public Schools students made strong academic gains during the 2011-12 school year. To access school and district test data, visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.
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Seattle, South King County School Districts Teaming up to Compete for $40M 'Race to the Top' Grant
-From SPS
The leaders of seven King County school districts, including the Seattle School District, announced that they are joining forces to compete for up to $40 million in federal "Race to the Top" grant money. This is the first time the federal Race to the Top competition has been open to school districts; previously, the grants had only been offered to states. Awardees will be announced in December.
More Information
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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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