Important Dates:
January 24:
WSPTA Focus Day, Olympia
January 31: Region 6 PTA Training, Ingraham HS, Seattle
More Information
(206) 364-7430
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Dear Seattle PTA and PTSA Leaders,
Seattle Public Schools has been experiencing rapid growth in student enrollment. This year, the district has nearly 50,000 students, an increase of more than 4,000 students from a few years ago. This growth has impacted different parts of the city with much of the growth in entering elementary students. This year, there are approximately 5,000 kindergarteners in SPS, making it the largest cohort in the district. While managing growth poses challenges, increasing enrollment is a good problem to have. Nevertheless, we need robust planning to make sure there will sufficient seats for these students in their neighborhoods.
The School Board will be voting this Wednesday on the Short-Term Capacity Management Plan, which will impact many of our communities. Several options to the plan have been introduced, and changes are being considered. SPS has been sending information about the plans. To find out the most recent information, click here.
What can we do?
SCPTSA Advocacy with SPS: Seattle Council PTSA has been advocating that the district plan for this growth. In April of 2011, the Seattle Council PTSA came up with five criteria we asked the district to consider as they manage capacity. While each community will need to advocate for its own specific issues, please help us ask the district to support:
- Good Data -- Let's make sure the enrollment estimates are solid and the functional capacity numbers of each building are accurate.
- Robust Planning -- Seats will need to be available when the growth starts. We cannot wait until when we are short of seats to begin to find a solution.
- Transparency -- Share data and plans with the community.
- Community Engagement -- Each area of the city will have specific issues when it comes to planning for growth. Engage the local community on local growth plans.
- Program Placement Planning -- Consider the impacts of growth on programs such as ELL, Special Education and Advanced Learning. Consider the impacts on Option, Alternative, International and other special programs in schools as well.
Tell Olympia: Join the Washington State PTA this Thursday in Olympia and tell our legislators about the challenges Seattle faces. They need to hear from us. Ask them to help SPS meet the increasing demand for our schools. To sign up, visit the WSPTA website.
Vote for the Levies: Ballots will arrive in the mail this week and are due February 12. Without the passage of these levies, SPS will have significantly less funds to run day-to- day operations and will not be able to add buildings to meet the needs of our increasing enrollment. Vote yes on both. Tell your friends and neighbors to vote yes.
We thank you all for your continued dedication to the students of Seattle.
Sincerely,
Lauren McGuire
President, Seattle Council PTSA
Ann Weber
VP, Seattle Council PTSA
Linnea Fichter
Legislative Chair, Seattle Council PTSA
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Join Hundreds of PTA Members in Olympia this Thursday, January 24 for FOCUS DAY 2013!
Every year, WA State PTA Members rally on the steps of the Capital to make our voices heard in the campaign to fully fund and support K-12 education. Get your children off to school and then come down to Olympia to help support our campaign. This is a great way to meet your legislators and learn more about the legislative process. Washington State is in the bottom 10% for state funding; our legislators are accountable, so let's rally for schools and students!
When: Thursday, January 24, from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Where: State Capital Building, Olympia
What:
Pre-rally meeting at 11:00am
Rally in the rotunda at noon
Programming and meeting with legislators 12:30-2:00pm
REGISTER TODAY at WA STATE PTA
This event is free but please register so that organizers know who's attending for legislator meetings, and to help arrange carpools.
Questions, contact Heidi Bennett, Region 6 Legislative Chair or Linnea Fichter, SCPTSA Legislative Chair.
More information
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Free Flu Vaccination Clinics
-Public Health Office
Seattle & King County are offering free flu vaccination clinics for all people over 6 months of age without health insurance or who are otherwise unable to pay for vaccination.
About the Free Flu Vaccination Clinics:
No other vaccinations will be offered at the time of the clinics.
You will be able to get flu shots or nasal spray vaccines, and preservative-free, gelatin-free, and latex-free vaccines will be available.
You do not need to be a regular client at Public Health Centers and you do not need to show proof of citizenship to get the vaccination.
Locations and times:
Columbia Public Health Center
4400 37th Ave S, Seattle, 206-296-4650
Thursday, January 24 and January 31, 3-7 pm
Eastgate Public Health Center
14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, 206-296-4920
Wednesday, January 23 and January 30, 3-7 pm
Federal Way Public Health Center
33431 13th Place S, Federal Way, 206-296-8410
Saturday, January 26, 10 am-2 pm
North Public Health Center
10501 Meridian Ave N, Seattle, 206-296-4765
Tuesday, January 22 and January 29, 3-7 pm
Updates and more information
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Region 6 PTA Training
-From Region 6
We have a Mid-winter conference coming up on Thursday, January 31 at Ingraham High School (North Seattle). Remember that all officers must attend PTA approved training during the year. This is your opportunity to network, receive training, and have some fun. Please let me know if you have any questions.
More information
Region 6 training: 5:30-8:45pm
Session 1 Classes:
- Money matters
- Nominating Committee
- Awards
- Advocacy - Take 5 for Kids
Session 2 Classes:
- Financial Review
- Board Development
- Attracting, Retaining and Rewarding Volunteers
- Outreach
Sarah DuCette
Region 6 Director
ptareg6@wastatepta.org
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Technology Matching Fund: City Grants to Help Your Community with Technology
-From the City of Seattle
We are offering workshops and now accepting applications from community and neighborhood groups for the 2013 Technology Matching Fund. Applications are due March 4. Attend a workshop and learn more about the program and how to apply for a grant. First-time applicants are encouraged to attend. These grants provide up to $20,000 for projects that increase technology literacy and access or projects which use information technology to build community and diverse participation online. Applicant organizations must be non-profits or ad-hoc, be in Seattle and applying for projects focused on reaching Seattle communities.
Workshop to learn more:
Technology Matching Fund
Wednesday, February 6, 10am - 12pm
2100 Building at 2100 24th Ave S
More information
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Parents Needed!
-From SBE and OSPI
The State Board of Education (SBE) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) are seeking your help in the development of a revised Washington State Achievement Index.
We are inviting a select number of teachers and parents to join us for our next meeting. It is scheduled for February 13 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Renton. Your input as a parent and/or educator will be instrumental to the Index revision process.
During the February 13 meeting, SBE and OSPI staff will lead a discussion of key questions:
1. How should a school's performance be measured?
2. How should the revised Index identify schools in need of greater support, as well as high-achieving schools?
If you can participate, please let me know. Include the following information:
First and last name, City, School District (if employed there) and Dietary concerns (if any for catered lunch)
Thank you joining us in this important work. We look forward to seeing you on February 13.
Maria Flores
Associate Director Innovation, Research and Policy
Office of Student and School Success (formerly School Improvement)
Superintendent of Public Instruction
(360)725-6504 or Maria.Flores@k12.wa.us
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PTA Support is Essential to Successfully Renew Seattle Public School Levy Funding. Get Involved Today!
The phrase "It takes a village" is never more relevant than when it comes to renewing our public school levies. Continuing our levies will ensure that the basic educational needs of Seattle Public Schools' nearly 50,000 students are met, especially as the school population is set to grow.
The campaign and our students need every PTA to help get out the vote by endorsing, donating and signing-up for a phone bank TODAY. Ballots arrive in voter mailboxes on January 23!
Phone calls are one of most effective ways to remind voters to support our schools and students! Contact Kerry Cooley-Stroum for more information or to sign-up for a phone bank. You can endorse our levies and contribute at www.schoolsfirstseattle.org.
As a reminder, these levies are not new taxes, but renewals of two critically important funding sources.
OPERATIONS LEVY: Accounts for more than 25% of operating funds including day-to-day basic needs such as ELL and Special Ed programs, as well as teaching, and 6th period for high schools.
CAPITAL LEVY (BEX IV): Provides essential funding to maintain and improve our existing schools, such as earthquake safety upgrades at 37 schools, wireless in every school and other technology improvements, plus renovating and expanding schools to meet Seattle Public Schools' growing student population.
Questions, contact Heidi Bennett, School's First Board Member and PTA Region 6 Legislative Chair, or contact Kerry Cooley-Stroum to help get out the vote for our school levies today!
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Start Talking Now: Preventing Teen Alcohol & Drug Use
-From Prevention Wins Coalition
Did you know: high school students who smoke marijuana report that they started between the ages of 13 -14?
Marijuana business will open within the next year. Grocery stores now sell spirits. What can parents say to their children as alcohol and marijuana become more available?
To prevent teen drug use, parents should start talking to their children before they enter middle school. Parents of 5th grade students can learn how to start the conversation through a free 30-minute presentation provided by trained facilitators.
All participants will receive a free copy of "Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent's Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens".
To learn more and to schedule training, please contact Christine Milton, CDP at cmtalianis@seattleschools.org or (206) 579-4042.
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Want Career Training? Need Financial Aid? Seattle Community Colleges can Help!
-From Seattle Community Colleges
If you or your family are low income or receiving unemployment insurance or basic food assistance, you may* qualify to receive:
Tuition Assistance
Books
Bus Pass or Parking Permit
Personal Advocate
*Eligibility varies by program
Check out these FREE workshops to get started:
Start Next Quarter - overview of Tuition Assistance. Visit: www.startnextquarter.org to be pre-screened for eligibility and to register for the next workshop.
Community College 101 (preparing for community college)
Completing the FAFSA (completing financial aid application)
Pick Your Program (choosing a training program)
CAT/TB (keeping unemployment benefits while attending school)
COMPASS Test Prep (English & Math placement test prep)
Call or email for dates, times, locations: nancy.dorman@seattlecolleges.org or (206) 934-3760
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