Three notes this afternoon for those interested (or already enrolled!) in Seattle Public Schools‘ new K-5 STEM at Boren, opening in West Seattle this fall:

PLAYDATE THIS SUNDAY: Families of some of the 229 students already assigned to the new school are gathering this Sunday, and those who haven’t made up their minds are invited too. Here’s the announcement we received:

If you have a child attending the new K-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School, or are on the fence, please join the new STEM community for the first playdate this Sunday at noon! It’s a great opportunity for the kids and parents to get to know each other. We are taking the first steps towards organizing a PTA/PTO and need active participation to making the important initial decisions!

We will meet at the Fauntleroy Children’s Center‘s playground behind the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (thank you FCC for supporting our new school!).

Also, join the online discussions and share information through the community Yahoo! group:
groups.yahoo.com/group/K5STEM/

It’s not too late to apply! The district has indicated that they will add classes if they have enough additional applicants to fill them – Be the change you want to see in public education and take advantage of this unique opportunity to create the dream! (Here’s the link.)

DESIGN TEAM UPDATE: The district continues to post notes from the ongoing K-5 STEM at Boren Design Team meetings, and the report on this past Wednesday’s meeting is here; the report mentions “handouts,” regarding the curriculum discussion the team is having, and those can be seen here. The Design Team’s next meeting is at 6:15 pm May 10th at Madison Middle School.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT LEAVING: While not directly about the K-5 STEM at Boren school, it’s the project in which West Seattleites had seen the most of assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Dr. Cathy Thompson lately, so we’re mentioning here that she announced today she’s leaving the district. Dr. Thompson is a West Seattleite, with her district background including time as principal at Roxhill Elementary, and she had been a very visible figure at early public meetings regarding the new K-5 STEM school, as well as ongoing involvement. Click ahead to read Dr. Thompson’s announcement:

After 19 years with Seattle Public Schools, I have decided to move on to a new challenge. I have accepted a position as Project Director at the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership, within the College of Education. My last day with Seattle Schools is May 24th.

This was not an easy decision, as I am proud of the work we have all accomplished together. I have enjoyed my time in the classroom, as a literacy coach, as a principal and finally, working in the central office, supporting the great work we are doing in our schools. I am grateful for the people I have worked with in Seattle and appreciative of the experience I have received as a result of my years here.

In my new position, I will be working with school districts nationally, supporting them in strengthening instruction. I am excited to take on this new challenge. Still, I hope our paths will cross again.

Starting May 25th, Wendy London will serve as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and Kimberly Kinzer will take over as Interim Director of Curriculum and Instructional Support. They have both graciously agreed to step into these roles in the short term, and I know you will be in good hands.

Thank you for all you do every day; I wish you the very best.

Sincerely,

Cathy Thompson
Assistant Superintendent
Teaching and Learning