Seattle Public Schools‘ 2012-2013 school year begins exactly two weeks from today. As the year gets going, new Superintendent José Banda plans “regional meetings” to meet families and commnity members – and he is offering in-person meetings one day a month, too. Details on both, ahead:

Here’s the full news release from the district:

Seattle Public Schools is partnering with the Seattle Council PTSA to sponsor five regional meetings for SPS families and community members to meet Superintendent José Banda in September and October.

During the regional meetings, the Superintendent will briefly talk about his vision for the school district, followed by informal conversations with those in attendance. Those meetings are scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

· Monday, Sept. 17, Mercer Middle School, 1600 S. Columbia Way
· Tuesday, Sept. 18, Rainier Beach High School, 8815 Seward Park Ave. S.
· Monday, Oct. 1, Bryant Elementary School, 3311 N.E. 60th St.
· Tuesday, Oct. 2, Concord International Elementary School, 723 S. Concord St.
· Monday, Oct. 8, Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N. 41st St.

“Our schools serve as centers for learning community-wide, and it is critical that we engage families and community members in supporting them,” Banda said. “I am firmly committed to developing strong school-community partnerships to enhance academic outcomes for all of our students.”

Superintendent Banda will hold open office hours on the last Thursday of every month during the school year, starting Sept 27. Each appointment will last 15 minutes, and can be in person in the Superintendent’s office at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, or via telephone. To schedule an appointment, contact Venetia Wallace by phone at 206-252-0167 or via email at vhwallace@seattleschools.org.

Note that the office hours schedule may be adjusted to accommodate holidays or school breaks.

The school year starts on Wednesday, September 5th.