As we enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank you and wish you a happy New Year. Thank you for everything you do for our students and schools. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season! 
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· Board approves Building Excellence (BEX) IV ballot measure

· State of the District: Enrollment on the rise, test scores increasing

Archive of past messages

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· Six schools named 'Schools of Distinction' for academic improvements

· Kay Smith-Blum elected president of Seattle Public Schools Board

Seattle one of seven districts to receive Race to the Top funds

Seattle Public Schools is one of seven King County school districts that will receive a combined $40 million in federal Race to the Top grant funds, according to a U.S. Department of Education announcement Dec. 11. Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda said the grant funds will be directed toward the District's efforts to narrow and eventually close the achievement gap.

Public tribute for Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson
to be held Dec. 14 in South Carolina 
 A public tribute for our former Superintendent, Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson, will be held on Friday, Dec. 14 in South Carolina. We are grateful for her years of service to Seattle Public Schools and her efforts to put our students on the path to academic success. If you have a memory you would like to share with Dr. Goodloe-Johnson's family, we are compiling a book of photos and memories for the family. Please email your story or photo to publicaffairs@seattleschools.org by Friday, Dec. 28 and we will include it in the book..

· Early enrollment for 2013-14 school year Oct. 1, 2012, to Jan. 31, 2013

· Board approves operations levy, capital levy; measure on Feb. 12 ballot

· Muckleshoot Tribe helps Native American, Alaskan Native students

· Seattle Education Association partners with Seattle Teacher Residency

· School Board approves resolution supporting American Education Week

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Hamilton International Middle School sixth-grader
wins two national chess titles in Florida tournament
Marcell Szabo, a sixth-grader at Hamilton International Middle School, won two chess championships Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 in Orlando, Florida. He won the U.S. 2012 National 6th-Grade Level Championship and the 2012 U.S. National K-6 Blitz Championship.

Ballard High video production students win at regional film festival

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· Leschi Elementary teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

· Northgate teacher the focus in national radio show' (outside link)

· Shelly Ellis named Middle School PE Teacher of the Year

· Nutrition director elected committee chair for nutrition association

· Washington Middle School counselor appointed to standards board

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