West Seattle, Washington
29 Friday
As promised, Seattle Public Schools has announced its design team for the new school it’s opening in West Seattle this fall, K-5 STEM at Boren. They’ve also confirmed that the team – whose job will be to start working out details for the new school’s operations – will have its first meeting 6 pm this Wednesday; that meeting will be at district HQ in SODO. We asked the district today who was on the team, and here’s what we received:Read More
One more West Seattle school fundraising auction to be sure you know about – the 18th annual Pathfinder K-8 auction, at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center, next Saturday (March 17th). The theme: “On this side of the rainbow, we make dreams come true!” The price of making dreams come true? $35 a ticket, and you can buy yours online by going here. From organizers:
Parents love supporting businesses that help support our school. We have an incredible lineup of donations from AWESOME local businesses including Cactus, Breathe Yoga, West 5, West Seattle Junction Association, Farmers’ Market, West Seattle Thriftway, Sound Physical Therapy, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Southgate Roller Rink, just to name a few.
Whether you’re going or not, there’s a twist this year: An online auction is under way, and you can bid right now.
(Screenshot from 3/7/12 school-board meeting video)
Gatewood Elementary visual-arts specialist Julie Trout was in the spotlight at this week’s Seattle School Board meeting, honored as Teacher of the Year for the Puget Sound Educational Service District, which includes 35 districts. Here’s the clip – forward to about 2 minutes in:
Julie is now a contender for state Teacher of the Year. We had hoped to catch up with her at Gatewood’s “Bids for Kids” auction last night, after a fellow teacher told us she had “planned and designed all the student art projects” that were featured. We didn’t cross paths, but did see her students’ work, including these creations:
As is the case at most of the school galas, participants really get into the spirit. Gatewood had a Hollywood theme; Tracy Chantorn was channeling Audrey Hepburn as she handled drawing tickets:
Prime time for school auctions – which have become indispensable for raising money to supplement the basics, in an era of public-funding challenges – continues at other local schools throughout this month.
(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
More than 100 people joined in the “Bite of West Seattle” event – potluck dinner and cultural performances – presented by West Seattle High School‘s Diversity Club last night. So reports WSHS student Nathaniel Solis, who shared photos from the event – we stopped by in the early going and caught the locally based Au Lac Vovinam Lion Dance Team warming up; Nathaniel caught them in action:
(This and subsequent photos by Nathaniel Solis)
Three more of Nathaniel’s photos, ahead:Read More
A little time out of the classroom can go a long way. Seattle Lutheran High School students and staff got the chance to test that on Wednesday – including the freshmen in our photos, taken at Camp Long. SLHS’s Bil Hood explained that it was “CHIP Day,” focusing on the school’s “core values – Confidence, Hope, Integrity, Passion.” The first value was taken on by the freshmen, on a field trip to work through the park’s new Challenge Course. In part, as Hood explaied it, the Challenge Course was meant to “enable participants to grow at both the team and individual levels, exploring confidence, risk, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and coaching.” Collaboration was a big lesson for the “low” portion of the course, including this balancing challenge:
Other activities scheduled included sophomores pursuing “Hope,” by spending time working at the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville,” while juniors explored “Integrity” with an “honesty test” of sorts (which is being kept under wraps till its results are in, which will take days), and seniors explored “Passion” through one-on-one conversations with people over 60, about their life experiences.
(Photos courtesy Edgar Riebe)
Wednesday night, about 100 third- through fifth-graders from Lafayette Elementary debuted in this year’s school play, “The Wartville Wizard,” at nearby West Seattle High School Theater. The school bulletin describes it as “a story about littering and how
one wizard takes care of the problem,” adapted from a book by Don Madden. The title role is played by Leo Schuehle:
“The Wartville Wizard” will be performed three more times – once for the school, twice for general audiences (Friday and Saturday at 7 pm).
(Photo courtesy SSCC)
Landscape/Horticulture is just part of a long list of studies you can pursue at South Seattle Community College in West Seattle – which is throwing open the doors to prospective students, families, community members, etc., tomorrow night, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, during its annual College Night. If you come to SSCC’s Brockey Center (on the south side of the campus at 6000 16th SW), you can find out about starting a degree there, finishing a degree there, getting a 2- or 4-year degree there, or joining one of its training programs. They’ll also have information about getting money for school. Parking is free, admission is free, and refreshments are promised too. Want to know more? Find it here.
Five years ago, Seattle Public Schools went to voters with the Building Excellence (BEX) III levy, which included money to build a new Denny International Middle School on the campus of Chief Sealth International High School, renovated as part of the project. After the vote, some community members complained they weren’t really aware that an unprecedented shared campus would be created as a result of the levy.
We can’t speak for what led up to that levy, since WSB wasn’t a news service then – but we CAN tell you that the next BEX levy (IV) is being planned now, and here’s your chance to speak up loud and clear about what you think should (and, maybe, should not) be part of it: The district has just announced three meetings to “share information and ask for feedback about options for possible building-construction projects to be included” in the levy, which goes to voters next February. One is in West Seattle: 6:30 pm April 5th, at Denny (whose old site, now an open field, might be used to build a new school, if that winds up in the levy).
You can’t just call them “lunch ladies” (or gentlemen), since a big part of the job for workers like these two at West Seattle Elementary and other schools is to provide a nutritious breakfast, too. And breakfast was in the spotlight in a big way at WSES this morning, as Seattle Public Schools launched a monthlong campaign to convince students (and their families) of its importance. Helping get the message out: A district worker in a bumblebee suit:
Her name is Katie Busby (perfect!), and she told media crews that she’s been appearing as “Buzz, the Bee Healthy bee” for a few years now. She works with the district’s Nutrition Services Department, which says, “Children who eat breakfast daily do better on standardized tests, get better grades, are able to concentrate in school, can more easily complete complex tasks and are more able to maintain a healthy weight.” The monthlong “Go for Gold” campaign will offer prize drawings and other celebrity appearances to participating schools.
Can you spare some room and time for a short-term houseguest this summer?
Once again West Seattle will be hosting students from Chengdu, China, and we are looking for host families! The students will be between the ages of 10 and 12 with a variety of English language proficiency. Students will be here for a total of 9 days and will arrive the last week in June. Last year our host families had a wonderful time with their students and enjoyed many Seattle activities. If you are interested or have questions about hosting a student, contact Pathfinder K-8 School’s assistant principal, Lisa Clayton, at lclayton@seattleschools.org.
Here’s a Google Map showing Chengdu and Seattle – more than 9,000 miles apart!
As West Seattle’s school-auction season continues – here’s an invitation from Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor):
We are excited to announce the upcoming Explorer West Middle School auction ‘Rising Stars’ on Friday, March 23, 2012 at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm. This year’s theme celebrates the development of future leaders among our students and the evening will feature red carpet, old school Hollywood glamour and guaranteed fun. To learn more about the event and Explorer West, visit www.explorer-west.org. Tickets are available by contacting Debbie Ehri, Business Manager: debbie@explorer-west.org. Come find out what the Explorer West community is about!
As we continue publishing school-fundraiser announcements, here’s an unusual one for next weekend: Arbor Heights Elementary PTA is presenting a “Family Photo Event,” open to all, not just AH families. 9 am-6 pm next Saturday and Sunday (3/10-3/11) they are scheduling professionally photographed family-portrait sessions for $35, “including one complimentary 8 x 10 print and one low-resolution file.” You can even bring the family pet. Fundraising Committee chair Amanda Nokes says, “We will photograph multiple poses and families will choose their favorites themselves.They are of course welcome to purchase any additional pictures they’d like.” But you need to contact her to book a session – 206-902-6324 or maxnokes@comcast.net. (Get more details via this flyer.)
Tonight during the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA‘s third annual Seahawk Spirit Dinner and Auction at The Hall at Fauntleroy, Sealth principal Chris Kinsey got a big hug from Seattle Public Schools‘ interim superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. Just yesterday afternoon, she announced his appointment as Sealth’s permanent principal, eight months after he joined the school as its “interim” leader. Tonight, she took the stage to describe him as “great.” (She of course is leaving after the school year to lead the neighboring Highline Public Schools district – where she’ll be reunited with Kinsey’s Sealth predecessor, John Boyd, now an executive director of schools for Highline.)
The big turnout for the event included not only parents and community supporters, but also others from the greater West Seattle education community:
At right, that’s West Seattle High School principal Ruth Medsker, with the district’s executive director of West Seattle schools, Aurora Lora. The event raised money for various Sealth programs – academic, athletic, arts among them. A Sealth senior was part of the onstage program too – Kari Sandell:
Kari’s senior-project video, a slice of life at Sealth, was shown. It’s on YouTube, too:
We’re waiting to hear from PTSA president Amy Daly-Donovan about the night’s fundraising total.
A little more than midway through the school year, Chris Kinsey is no longer interim principal of Chief Sealth International High School – he is its permanent principal, according to a letter sent to students’ families today:
Dear Chief Sealth International High School community,
Today I am excited to officially appoint Chris Kinsey as your permanent principal.
Mr. Kinsey stepped into the role in August – building on the momentum created over the past several years, while finding new ways to create student and staff success.
This school year, Chief Sealth won a Washington Achievement Award for improvement, honored one of its teachers with a Golden Apple Award, and increased the number of students taking International Baccalaureate classes. Under his leadership, the school expanded math and science offerings, kept more seniors than ever on track to graduate, developed more international education curriculum and is meeting the challenges of a growing student population.
Continuing our series of announcements for local schools’ upcoming dinner/auction fundraisers – one week from tonight, it’s the Gatewood Elementary PTA‘s “Bids for Kids” (5:30-9 pm March 9th at The Hall at Fauntleroy):
We’re hoping for glamour, fun and a few “celebrity” appearances with this year’s silver-screen theme. All of the money raised goes directly to support the children in our diverse community of learners. Money raised at past auctions has been used to help start new arts, music, supplemental math and science programs over the past year and to provide scholarships for after-school enrichment programs. Gatewood is an all-inclusive community and we are committed to ensuring that all of our children thrive with access to enriching activities, support, and engagement.
At Gatewood we believe that changing the world is possible – especially with the support of our community. We welcome your support and everyone is invited. Our auction website includes a description of live and silent auction items and you can bid by proxy if you cannot attend! Check it out at http://www.gatewoodauction.org/home/
Live auction items include the opportunity to be a Top Gun fighter pilot for a day with Air Combat USA, family snowshoe package, Sounders ticket packages and signed memorabilia, getaways and more!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The second informational meeting for families interested in West Seattle’s new public school, K-5 STEM at Boren, was very different from the first one 2 weeks ago (WSB coverage here).
For one, tonight’s meeting was led by Seattle Public Schools assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Dr. Cathy Thompson (at left in top photo). The crowd at the first meeting was told that Dr. Thompson had been leading the school-creation project, but was unable to be there that night because a School Board meeting was scheduled concurrently. Tonight, no board meeting, so the West Seattle-residing district official was there, bubbling over with enthusiasm, as well as a message: Yes, it will obviously be a “leap of faith” for families to enroll their elementary schoolers in this new program, and they understand if someone decides against it.
Also different, but not surprising: While more than 300 people jammed the Schmitz Park Elementary cafetorium for the first meeting, our informal count noted maybe 100 in the more-spacious Denny International Middle School galleria tonight. Here’s our video of the meeting, unedited, in its entirety:
We’ll add the key toplines soon. One important point: If you are interested in being on the school’s Design Team, which Dr. Thompson says will include six district staffers, six parents, and three community representatives, tomorrow’s the deadline for applying. Those chosen, she said, will be notified March 9th, and the team’s first meeting – which will be open to the public – will be March 14th. Meantime, the March 13th meet-and-greet with principal Dr. Shannon McKinney (about whom we learned more tonight, too) is still on, 6:30 pm at Madison Middle School. And if you missed the link in a comment thread here this afternoon – the first FAQ about the new school is now on the district website.
ADDED 7:51 AM FRIDAY: More new info from the meeting:Read More
(Photo by Bruno Cross)
“Magical” is the word Chief Sealth International High School principal Chris Kinsey used to describe tonight’s concert, with 350 band musicians from his school and adjacent Denny International Middle School, whose principal Jeff Clark shared the quote, and the enthusiasm. Above, the Denny Senior Band, directed by Marcus Pimpleton (whose Golden Apple Award-acceptance ceremony was broadcast on KCTS 9 tonight, while he was directing his Denny and Sealth musicians in concert).
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Here’s senior John Aguilar directing Sealth bandmates:
And the Denny beginning/intermediate musicians:
P.S. Some of the Sealth musicians have a big gig Saturday night – playing at the annual auction presented by the CSIHS PTSA.
This morning, we’re continuing our ongoing series of school-fundraiser dinner/auction announcements – it’s a busy month, and they all welcome community support from beyond their immediate parents/staff/etc. circles. On March 31st, Schmitz Park Elementary PTA presents the “Livin’ the Island Life”-themed dinner/live auction/silent auction, 5 pm at South Seattle Community College‘s Brockey Center. From their note:
All proceeds from our auction benefit our amazing kids at Schmitz Park Elementary. The auction is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the PTA, so it’s a really big deal! Money raised allows us to support important programs like Singapore Math (unique to our school), Read Naturally, Writer’s Workshop, Visual Arts and Physical Education.
We are fortunate to have strong support from the West Seattle community with donations from businesses such as West 5, Junction True Value, Stella Ruffington’s, 8 Limbs Yoga, Salon Fauntleroy, West Seattle Karate, Bamboo Bar and Grill, Cactus, Mashiko’s (including WSB sponsors- Hotwire, C&P Coffee Company, Zippy’s, Tom’s Automotive Center, etc.).
They’re detailing auction “experiences” available to bidders here. (Haven’t sent us your school’s upcoming auction info yet? editor@westseattleblog.com)
As mentioned earlier, we’re sharing the news of three more school auction/dinner events for which we received announcements in the past day or so. Here’s the second one – Lafayette Elementary‘s “Raisin’ the Green” (on St. Patrick’s Day):
The Lafayette Elementary School PTA will host an auction to help support its ongoing fundraising efforts. The event, “Raisin’ the Green”, will take place at The Hall at Fauntleroy on March 17, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. It will feature dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions, dessert dash, live music, and prize drawings.
Lafayette Elementary families and local community members are invited to attend this exciting event! Tickets are available now for $60 per person. Ticket price includes dinner, bid number, and a complimentary beverage. Purchase tickets online (here), or by following the link on the school web site at mylafayette.org.
For more information about the “Raisin’ the Green” auction, visit the auction website.
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Moving toward the citywide semifinals in two weeks, Global Reading Challenge events continue at participating Seattle Public Schools, and today, it was Arbor Heights Elementary School‘s turn to gather its teams to compete, share their reading knowledge, and decide who’s moving to the next level.
This time, it took what was described as an “unprecedented” tiebreaker!
In the past day or so, we’ve received announcements about three local schools’ upcoming auctions. These events are always your chance to help local kids – so here’s the first of three standalone shoutouts: Madison Middle School‘s “Class Act” auction event is coming up March 10th, with just two days left to buy tickets. Here’s the announcement:
Calling all Madison Middle School Alumni and auction fans everywhere!
Madison Middle School is holding its annual Class Act Auction on March 10, 2012 at 5:00 at the Hall at Fauntleroy.
We have some incredible donations just waiting to be bid on and taken home.
Madison has won a number of prestigeous awards this year and would like to continue to keep the bar high by raising money to fund up-to-date technology and curriculum to challenge and engage students.
Auction tickets are still available. To purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher or make a donation to the auction, go to madisonmiddleschool.schoolauction.net/madisonauction2012/ and click on the “purchase tickets” or “make a donation” buttons. Ticket sales end Friday, March 2, so get them soon!
The scene at left was likely replicated in many family histories … a journey at sea to a new home far away. Some come by sea, some by land, some by air, and the stories are told in “Becoming Us – Through Immigrant Eyes,” produced by students from two West Seattle high schools, Chief Sealth International High School and St. Christopher’s Academy (which is on the Seattle Lutheran campus). Gary Thomsen (who shared the photo) sent news of the exhibit’s opening this Saturday, 2-3 pm, at History House of Greater Seattle, 790 North 34th (map) in Fremont; no admission charge. It’ll be on display for about a month; the announcement says the project “documents how Immigration has helped make Seattle the city that it is today. … from the unique perspective of those who have immigrated into Seattle and details the challenges immigrants face when moving into a new country.” It includes a documentary clip, a historical timeline dating to 1850, a photo display, and an exhibit of photos and arts by students.
West Seattle will be the site of one of five meetings just announced regarding creating a “comprehensive arts plan” for Seattle Public Schools. The local meeting is at 6:30 pm Thursday, March 29th, at Chief Sealth International High School. Read on for the full announcement of what the district is hoping to do:Read More
| 17 COMMENTS