8:45 AM: Our video shows the scene just outside Denny International Middle School earlier this morning, as community advocates joined educators and students for one of at least three local “Walk-In” rallies to show support for public-school funding. (We had photographers at West Seattle High School and Genesee Hill Elementary as well and will add those photos later.) This was a nationwide initiative; in our state, participants were not only trying to send a message to the federal government regarding Department of Education cuts, but also to the State Legislature, which has big decisions to make about school funding – and other budget matters – before this session ends.

9:01 AM: Above and below are photos by WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen, who covered the rally at Genesee Hill Elementary:

School-funding cuts would result in a “lack of people, lack of support and lack of safety in schools,” according to Alison Aylesworth, the organizer of this walk-in and a teacher at Genesee Hill.

“Dismantling the department of education would put a huge burden on our special education students” Said Kristen Marklund, a special education assistant. “Our School is very passionate about our community, and this rally is to support them.” After gathering, the crowd walked around the side of the school, carrying signs and chanting things like “read, write, rise!”

11:48 AM: Below are photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB at West Seattle High School’s Walk-In:

Above, that’s art teacher Michelle Sloan waving to passing cars. Sloan, who has been teaching at the school for 10 years, said she participated to protest cuts to the Department of Education and to protect special education and after school-care funding. Below, WSHS student Jonah Shah holds a “Don’t Mourn, Organize” sign:

Below, Finn White, a WSHS student and member of the Social Justice Club, thanked educators and urged people to vote in local elections:

About 45 people were gathered while we were there.