Appropriately, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day reflecting on leadership.  As a change leader, he set a standard for thoughtful consideration of the issues alongside exhortation to radical action.  Parents wrestling with how to engage in school improvement need to find a similar balance between thought and action, and between preserving what's good about our schools and system and more radically challenging them to serve all kids in all neighborhoods.  

A recent Crosscut article suggested that we consider "followership" alongside leadership as we embark on the search for a new superintendent and endeavor to change what has seemed like a "stuck" system the past many years.  It's an important idea, but I think not the right one, not really.

CPPS has called for something different from our earliest days.

While we want strong leaders for Seattle Public Schools, and while we need to be prepared to follow their lead, as Crosscut author, Anthony Robinson, suggests, what we really want -- what we hear from parents in all corners of the city -- what we can't seem to establish -- is partnership.

How might that look?  Let us know your thoughts.
Here are some of ours.

Community Organizing Catalysts  

CPPS has invested in parents organizing in their own communities.  As we scale our work and provide regular parent leadership trainings, we hope to see more:       

• Parents connecting across schools to assert a common expectation of quality and accountability from Seattle Public Schools.  Check out SE Parents' Bill of Rights for Quality Neighborhood Schools 
• Communities designing enrichment, summer programs, parent education, etc. to meet their needs and collaborating with the district for support, promotion, and connection to SPS improvement plans. 
• District outreach for improvement ideas from informed parents engaged in constructive education reform.         

Each Seattle school has its own community, and service to the district may not always best address individual community needs.  Partnership mandates that the district balance system decision-making against local impact and include local partners in weighing the possibilities.   

 

Partnership implies learning in public and sharing ideas generously.  It isn't easy, but it will make a difference.  Let's look for partnership commitments from our new and future leaders!  

 

Do your part to help develop parent leadership in Seattle.    Share your ideas       Donate       Join Us On Facebook  

Wednesday January 18 6- 9:00pm  

SPS Board vote on 2012-2013 Student Assignment Transition and ShortTerm Capacity Managment plans     

JSCEE 2445 3rd Ave. S, Auditorium 

The FACMAC (Facilities and Capacity Management Advisory Committee) has worked with district leaders to prepare plans to cope with enrollment growth.  Recommendations affect geozones, portables, Spectrum access, etc.

 

Kindergarten Transition/Early Enrollment Opportunities 

- Light dinner and free gift; childcare for ages 3+
Bring children's birth certificates, CIS (immunizations), proof of residence, Admission Form, & parent/guardian photo ID 
For more information, call 206-252-0760


Saturday, January 21, 9am-1pm
WABSE Symposium: Discipline Disparities among Black Children $25   More information     RSVP

Tuesday, January 24 -- School ends 3 hours early!
Furlough day

Wednesday, January 25, 6:30-8:00pm

Provide Feedback on Family, Student & Staff Surveys

JSCEE, 2445 3rd Ave. S, Room 2700

Each spring Seattle Public Schools surveys families, school staff and students about instruction, leadership, and family engagement. This meeting offers the opportunity to review last year's results and provide feedback on the surveys.  

Questions, comments, & accommodation requests   

Friday, January 27 NO School - Day Between Semesters

Wednesday February 1  6- 9:00pm  

SPS Board vote on 2012-2013 Transportation plans     

JSCEE 2445 3rd Ave. S, Auditorium 

Recommendations affect middle schools, K-8s, Ingraham High School and the end of some grandfathered routes.

 

Monday, February 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Seattle Council PTSA Meeting: Budget Nuts and Bolts
JSCEE 2445 3rd Ave. S, Auditorium

SCPTSA Board member Andrea Baumgarten will facilitate a discussion about school budget allocations plus an update on the State Budget and how that impacts SPS.  District officials will also be present to help answer your questions.

 

 

Thursdays, 3:00-5:30 pm  SPS Open Office Hours

John Stanford Center, 2445 3rd Ave. S.

15 minute slots to speak to the interim Superintendent or assistant superintendent of your choice -- they're available on a rotating basis. Make an appointment  

 

Sincerely,