|
Community & Parents for Public Schools of Seattle
ACTION, PASSION & LEADERSHIP
FOR EXCELLENT SEATTLE SCHOOLS FOR EVERY STUDENT
CPPS is a local, grassroots network of parents and community members working together to support and advocate for excellent public schools in our communities, and at the district, city and state levels.
|
|
| Join Our Mailing List |
 |
|
|
|
Parent Rights and Responsibilities
If it's a typical September, many of us are still juggling the difficulties of early wake-ups, bus schedules, parent "homework" in the form of school and district forms, and more (how is it possible that nobody's shoes fit?)...However, it's also time for us to gear up and engage in school and community activities that allow us to make a difference. Here at CPPS, we challenge you to find the time to join with other parents in supporting school improvement, becoming a decision-maker, and contributing your time and ideas to resolving the issues of the day. Get Involved:
Campaign for Public Schools
Both locally and nationally, fall is the season to reassert our commitments to equitable public education. In southeast Seattle, a group of parents have been working to draft a Parents' Bill of Rights for Quality Neighborhood Schools in their community, while our national PPS organization is celebrating its 20th year by launching a parents' campaign to "Speak Up for Public Schools." You can support local efforts by giving your feedback at a SE outreach session, 6pm 9/29 or 10am 10/8 at the Rainier Beach Library, or 3:30pm 10/14 at the Beacon Hill Library. Sign the national online petition to stop damaging budget cuts, or enter the PPS video contest ($1000 grand prize) to share what you like about your public school.
Elect School Board Directors to serve us
Once again we have four school board seats up for election. The whole city votes by November 8, so regardless of whether there's a school board race in your region, it's important that you learn about the candidates and put your support behind those that will best serve the entire Seattle Public Schools district. CPPS will publish a candidate questionnaire and share results on our website. Your last chance to submit questions is Friday, September 23rd.
We're also planning a "parent friendly" candidate forum for October. Stay tuned for more information.
Engage in a Parent Impact Project
Interested in joining with a few other parents to advocate for change? If you would like to participate in a short-term study or advocacy group addressing middle school rigor, science education or other topics, Sign up!!
Do your part to help develop parent leadership in Seattle. Donate Meet us on Facebook
|
|
What Do We Need from Our School Board?
|
| |
Ask a Question, Attend a Forum, VOTE!
Seattle's seven school board directors set policy, hire the superintendent and set the course for our district. Our upcoming November 8th election is a significant one, given the number of leadership transitions, capacity management (growth!) considerations, and long-standing equity, quality, and decision-making concerns that we want them to address. So how do you decide how to direct your vote? There are plenty of opportunities in the weeks ahead.
|
If you weren't paying attention when campaigns began this summer, the candidates are...
Peter Maier (incumbent) vs. Sharon Peaslee
Sherry Carr (incumbent) vs. Kate Martin
Harium Martin-Morris (incumbent) vs. Michelle Buetow
Steve Sundquist (incumbent) vs. Marty McLaren
And to learn what they stand for, make note of the opportunities below:
1. CPPS will ask candidates to answer our parent questionnaire, and we'll share their thoughts with the Seattle community -- look for this information on our website by mid-October.
2. To hear the candidates' take on issues affecting the special education population, attend the Seattle Special Education PTSA General Meeting & SPS School Board Candidates Forum
Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2700, John Stanford Center, 2445 3rd Ave South
With moderated Q&A from the audience.
|
3. See how The Stranger (and a panel of guests) sees it at the Debate in Four School Board Races
Wednesday, Sept 28, 7:30-9pm, Town Hall,
1119 8th Ave.
"After a three-year run of controversies-ranging from school closures to a $1.8 million alleged fraud scandal that ended in the superintendent's termination-a majority of the Seattle School Board is up for reelection this fall. A sweep by four serious challengers in the general election would tip the troubled district's balance of power.
But do these Cliff Mass-endorsed hopefuls have the skills to run the school district?"
KIRO's Dave Ross will moderate, with lightning rounds, one-on-one mini-debates, and text voting for instant feedback! Reserve your seat (free)
4. Get the neighborhood perspective at one of several PTSA-sponsored school forums in the regions the candidates will represent:
Tuesday, October 4, 7-9pm at Bryant Elementary,
3311 NE 60th
Tuesday, October 11, 6:30-8:30pm at Olympic View Elementary, 504 NE 95th
Tuesday, October 18, 6:30-9:00pm at Madison Middle School, 3429 45th SW
5. Play it parent-friendly, at CPPS' own event -- stay tuned!
|
Opportunities Galore
|
|
|
There are many ways to be engaged this fall -- take advantage of what's out there:
All potential participants on school-based hiring committees are required to take district interview training. The next session is October 13th. Check out the schedule and plan ahead.
Need a computer? Comcast is offering a deal for hardware and monthly internet fees to all families that qualify for free/reduced lunch. Learn more
And don't miss the Annual Family and Community Engagement Symposium on October 15th --
9am - 2:30pm Garfield HS 400 23rd Ave
| | |
|
CALENDAR | |
WHAT'S ON:
Tuesday, September 20th - 3:30-4:30 pm
Webinar on Common Core Math Standards
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is offering webinars to help educators and the community understand the new Common Core standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics
More information
Thursday, September 22nd - 3:30-4:30 pm
Webinar on Common Core Language Arts Stds
Register
Tuesday, September 27 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm, JSCEE Rm 2700, 2445 3rd Ave South, Seattle, 98134
Seattle Special Education PTSA General Meeting & Forum
Wednesday, September 28 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave. Upstairs
The Stranger sponsored -- Candidate Debates
Tuesday, October 4 - 7:00-9:00pm
Bryant Elementary, 3311 NE 60th
PTA sponsored candidates forum
Wednesday, October 5 - Don't Miss This!
Any Starbuck's purchase this morning earns you a $10 giftcard to spend at Donorschoose.org on classroom projects -- visit your local Starbucks
Tuesday, October 11 -6:30-8:30pm
Olympic View Elementary, 504 NE 95th St.
PTA sponsored candidates forum
Thursday, October 13 -- 4-5pm, JSCEE Rm 2700
District Interview Training
Saturday, October 15th - 9:00am-2:30 pm
SPS Family Engagement Symposium
Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave.
Tuesday, October 18 - 6:30-9:00pm
Madison Middle School, 3429 45th SW
PTA sponsored candidates forum
2011-12 School Year Calendar
|
| DONOR'S CHOOSE | | Use the Web to support our schools!
Over 100 classrooms in SouthSeattle and South King County have posted projects for funding on the DonorsChoose.org website! The Donor's Choose organization and Starbuck's have teamed up to encourage investment in our schools and teachers with gift card giveaways on October 5. Check it out!
|
|
Through forums, study groups, newsletter communications and more, CPPS brings parents and community members together to discuss issues, get informed, engage, advocate and lead for excellent public education in Seattle. We need your participation. Contact us for more info: contact@cppsofseattle.org
Sincerely,
CPPS Announcements
Community & Parents for Public Schools of Seattle |
|
|
|
|
|
|
