You can help! Denny PTSA raising $ to set up and equip special Block Watch to keep students safe

When PTAs and PTSAs raise money for their schools, it’s usually for academic and enrichment necessities that just can’t be covered by the school budget. Right now at Denny International Middle School, the PTA finds itself raising money to keep kids safe, in the wake of the recent robberies/assaults against students in their area (and elsewhere in West Seattle).

Denny PTA co-president Catherine Irby Arnold tells WSB that after meeting with police to find out what more could be done, they’re setting up a Block Watch as soon as they can – what’s above is *part* of their roughed-out map showing the coverage area – and are raising money via their Direct Drive to train volunteers, since they need at least 20. Also, she adds, the money will cover buying security vests, flashlights, and Denny sweatshirts for the volunteers. “We will kick this off as soon as possible. We are all fed up with the rash of security issues around our school. Safety of our scholars is our highest priority.”

If you’d like to help, you can donate online – scroll down this page and click the golden button.

2 Replies to "You can help! Denny PTSA raising $ to set up and equip special Block Watch to keep students safe "

  • westseattledood March 16, 2015 (10:58 am)

    When the West Seattle Blockwatch Captain’s Network was created, one of the organizing principles I had in my mind was this very kind of blockwatch networked around schools. I had envisioned and hoped for outreaching to PTSA’s in advance of any such events.

    I am truly so sorry it took these events to initiate an organized proactive response but I sincerely hope every school PTSA in the Southwest District follows the lead of the Denny PTSA and that we all support every effort in this direction for each school community. When school boundaries changed to neighborhoods, the opportunity to strengthen neighborhoods was created to support the health, safety and education of all *our* kids. Let us move forward with these blockwatch networks established which are inclusive not only of schools but of business districts as well.

    If anyone reading has knowledge of the details of how this is a “special” BW and what expenses they are incurring, I think it would be valuable to share here so other PTSA’s can use the information. I would also suggest that PTSA’s consider contacting the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network. Thanks so much for caring about your neighborhood.

  • West Seattle Block Watch Captains' Network March 17, 2015 (12:09 am)

    It’s always nice to see neighbors, organizations or businesses organizing for safety and addressing problems that need to be solved in our neighborhoods.
    .
    I see that you have a plan to raise money, but thought I would mention that the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods offers several different types of “Neighborhood Matching Fund” grants and the process for applying is fairly easy. Their primary requirement is that projects focus on building community.
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    In terms of other support, if you haven’t done so already, you might talk with Mark Solomon, the SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator for our area. Although you’ve already talked with SPD, Mark’s focus is entirely on working with BW groups and is focused on prevention. The Community Police Team officers who work out of the SW Precinct also work closely with the community on prevention and can most likely offer some useful advice to your group.
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    Lastly, at the meeting with Chief O’Toole last Wednesday, one of the people who spoke was from the Madison PTSA; she expressed very similar concerns to yours, so you may want to get in touch with her to talk about strategies that are specific to schools.
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    Hope this helps! You can find our org’s website linked from my post if you want additional info.
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    – Karen

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