West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
With a little more than a week to go till Seattle Public Schools classes begin, our partners at the Seattle Times report tonight that the district and its teachers union believe they’ve reached a tentative contract agreement. By most accounts, these had not been easy negotiations, so that’s bigger news than it might have been some years. The Seattle Education Association already had a membership meeting scheduled for Thursday, so if a deal has indeed been reached, that’s when teachers will vote. More details are expected tomorrow, according to the Times report.
That’s new principal Vicki Sacco greeting parents and students this morning at West Seattle Elementary in High Point. Students were decked out in new school clothes as they lined up to gather their school supplies before sitting down for a barbecue lunch prepared for them by the smiling cafeteria staff.
Orientation continued afterward with a school walk-through. Students will return for the actual start of classes at 8:15 am tomorrow.
(Photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
With classes back in session for many West Seattle schools, you’re likely to see a school bus or two in your neighborhood very soon. The bus row in the photo above was spotted at Alki Elementary this morning, where the Alki and Lafayette bus drivers were meeting to discuss the official start of Seattle Public Schools’ schedule (September 8th).
Also, you’ll see signs at your local Seattle Public Library branch similar to the one below at High Point. While the libraries are typically nice and quiet, they will be completely quiet this week as the systemwide SPL closure begins today, as we’ve noted previously.
3:24 PM UPDATE: Added the correct start date for most SPS schools (Sept. 8th)
Topping our look ahead at what’s up in West Seattle today/tonight: It’s the first day of school for hundreds of West Seattle students – classes begin at Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Holy Family … If you’ve got a K-8 student who’s NOT going back till next week, you’re invited to “end the summer with a blast” with Sonics legend Slick Watts at West Seattle High School, today through Thursday – Hoop Camp registration info’s online at wattsbasketball.com … One more reminder that the week-plus systemwide Seattle Public Library closure starts today … And for those involved in the community work to help King County decide how to reduce combined-sewer overflows in Puget Sound, with the least amount of community impact, the next meeting of the Murray Basin Citizens Advisory Group is scheduled for tonight (full details here) … You’ll find even more for today/tonight if you check the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
On the eve of the first day of school for 2010-11, Our Lady of Guadalupe drew a crowd this afternoon to celebrate the kickoff of its major fundraising campaign to build a new Gathering Hall/Gym on parish property at 35th and Myrtle.
And it began with big news – OLG’s Father Jack Walmesley (above) announced to the crowd gathered outside that they had already raised $1.25 million toward their $4 million goal, thanks to a major benefactor: Former parishioner and West Seattle resident Mike Hession, who left $1 million to the parish in his will to be used toward the new building (you can see a rendering here).
Designed by Richard Glasman of M/G Architecture, the new building will be a community center, gym, full kitchen and meeting spaces that will be open to the community. Father Jack says the intention of the building is to be a community resource to assist social-action groups and functions; he mentioned Family Promise of Seattle, which helps homeless families find resources (but is currently going through a tough time itself, as first reported here).
Father Jack adds: “This is a step toward reaching the full potential for ourselves and our community. It’s fun to watch people utilize their talents—this is happening because of (their) talents.”
The fundraising campaign will last through Christmas, with the intention of beginning construction in June of 2011. There’s more info online here.
Just so you know when to start watching for “school zone” lights, students crossing streets, and other signs that school’s in session – some West Seattle schools start as early as next Monday! Here’s the list we have so far – if we’re missing yours, please leave a comment or e-mail us and we’ll add it:
AUGUST 30 (next Monday): Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Family
AUGUST 31 (next Tuesday): West Seattle Elementary
SEPTEMBER 7: Seattle Lutheran High School, Hope Lutheran School, Tilden School
SEPTEMBER 8: Seattle Public Schools (except WS Elementary, see 8/31), Shorewood Christian School, Westside School, Explorer West Middle School. Photo above is courtesy David Bergler from Westside, which is moving into a new campus; he reports:
(In the photo,) Ava & Helen Simmons put the finishing touches on a mural of the EC Hughes building. The students of Westside School created a number of beautiful murals for the walls of their new school. The first day of classes will be held on Wednesday, September 8th. Westside School will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 7th at 4:00. Westside School currently has an enrollment of 235 students from preschool through fifth grade.
Second note – SPS sent a news release late today about teachers visiting several district schools from China this year, including some in West Seattle – read on for the full announcement:Read More
Roxhill Elementary School‘s distinctive “R” needs some help. And Westwood Neighborhood Council leader Donn DeVore (who shared the photo above) is offering the perfect chance for you to pitch in and make sure that a building working on teaching kids the “three R’s” – and then some – can be proud of its own “R” once more:
Calling for volunteers on September 11th/12th from 10 am to 2 pm. Need a minimum of 8-10 people (4-5 each day) to help sand, prime and re-paint the Roxhill Elementary School ‘R’ on SW Roxbury Street. The school doesn’t have the budget for this.
If people are interested in volunteering, please have them contact me at donndevore@hotmail.com.
As mentioned here about this time last night, Chief Sealth International High School got the go-ahead for teachers and other staffers to move in – and today, they did just that. Above, unpacking was still under way in the Proyecto Saber room, where we found teachers including Delfino Munoz around mid-afternoon. And the Southwest Precinct had just sent over its second tour-group-in-blue:
Speaking of colors, they play a role in the Sealth scheme – just look down the hallway:
With two weeks to go till the first day of classes – and 13 days to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 am Sept. 7 – there’s still plenty of work under way, inside and out, but it’s clearly the home stretch – here’s a view from the front steps down toward the new Galleria:
Your first official chance to get a peek inside is just a week away – next Wednesday night, as a fundraiser for the Friends of Sealth scholarship fund, you can be part of a behind-the-scenes tour – reservations required, and you can make yours online at the new Friends of Sealth website. One month from today, a community open house will include tours, too – 10 am Sept. 25th.
Two weeks till the first day of school, and another local campus gets a bit of a facelift – Arbor Heights Elementary‘s playground-painting project is almost done, after two volunteer work sessions in the past four days.
Thanks to John for sharing the photos:
John wanted to share some acknowledgments:
I would also like to say thank you to BEAN, 99.9 The Rock, 100.7 The Wolf, 103.7 The Mountain, 107.7 The End. They worked their bottoms off. THANK YOU to everyone who helped!! Parents, Staff, Everyone! A HUGE THANK YOU to Amy, David, Jihyun, Rossyln, Molly, Gina, Hema, and Chris!!!!
We showed you some “before” photos a month ago, when AH put out the call for volunteer help.
If you’re associated with Chief Sealth International High School in some way, including students’ families, you’ve probably seen or heard a message in the past few days about the renovated campus awaiting Fire Marshal clearance before staff can move in. That clearance has just been achieved, says Sealth principal John Boyd, who tells WSB that teachers and administrators will start moving in tomorrow – exactly 2 weeks before classes begin.
Seattle Public Schools just sent a news release with a long list of new district administrators and principals. We’ve already published the news of the one West Seattle-specific principal announcement, Vicki Sacco taking over West Seattle Elementary (here’s our August 4th story). But there are a few other notes of interest: Former WS Elementary principal Gayle Everly‘s new job is on the list, co-principal of Bryant Elementary. Also, former West Seattle High School assistant principal Anitra Pinchback-Jones‘s new job is on the list too – she is becoming principal at Bagley Elementary, whose former principal Kimberly Kinzer will move to Denny International Middle School as a teacher. The new school year starts for most SPS students on Sept. 8 – WS Elementary, because of its improvement plan, starts classes Aug. 31st.
Meet Roxanne Brown. She’ll be teaching a brand-new early-education program in West Seattle starting next month, and you can check it out during an open house tomorrow (Thursday) night. The program’s called Small Scholars Academy and classes will be at High Point Community Center. Roxanne’s been teaching for five years, with two of those years in a Head Start program, and she says Small Scholars is meant to offer child-led experiences where kids can learn based on what they’re interested in – say, the kids want to talk about dinosaurs, and it’s time for language skills, you might bring in alphabet letters associated with dinosaurs. Play, Roxanne explains, can also lead to educational experiences. They’re registering kids 3-5 now for these options – Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays ($230 a month), Tuesdays/Thursdays ($185), or five days a week ($315/month), morning (9:30 am-1 pm) or afternoon (2-5:30 pm), kids must be potty-trained. Tomorrow night’s open house is 5-7 pm at High Point CC (6920 34th SW); classes start September 13th.
With the Chief Sealth International High School renovations close to completion – and the first day of school just three weeks away – the project-management team at DKA Architecture just sent along a new aerial. (Ever wonder about unmarked choppers/planes in the area from time to time? Keep in mind, some are taking photos like these!) It shows the Chief Sealth campus from the south side along Thistle, looking northward. Note the paved parking areas, among other touches. We talked to Sealth principal John Boyd a short time ago to find out how soon his staff will be moving in; as the quote in our headline indicates, they’re eager. Right now, Boyd says, they’re awaiting the results of fire/safety inspections. If those go well, the contents of administrative offices and classrooms – what Sealth teachers have already boxed up – will be moved over the weekend, with the hopes that administrators can come in Monday and Tuesday to start getting settled, with teachers following on Tuesday and Wednesday. “We’re anxious, we want to get over there, but we want everything to be done (right) – and we’re still operable at Boren” till then, Boyd tells WSB, adding, “The facilities are beautiful.” The upgrades have been under way for two years, and the new Denny International Middle School is being built on the same site, though its completion/move aren’t scheduled till next year. (More project background can be found here.) ADDED 1:12 PM: Also just got a new photo taken at the site today and shared by DKA, described as “the installation of the new water feature in the CS Galleria entrance”:
More new outside/inside photos here.
We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor today, and as is customary, new sponsors are invited to share information about their business: The Andover School was established in 2009 after founder Kari Cassidy-Diercks had difficulty finding availability for her children in a West Seattle preschool. 
With a background in operations and marketing, she teamed with childhood educator and preschool director Kelli Palsha to create a high-quality, unique, artistic and academic curriculum. The Andover School in West Seattle is located between the Alaska and Morgan Junctions. It is a year-round preschool experience for ages 2 through pre-K, which Kelli says is based on the ideals of organic and holistic learning. Kari says they incorporate standard letter education with dramatic play, cooking classes with etiquette, and creativity while offering a strong emphasis on Kindergarten preparedness, especially in the afternoon program. She adds, “The Andover School aspires to help children grow their pre-academic and social skills in play-based learning. Social and emotional learning is emphasized, as this is the foundation for all other learning. Children are encouraged to feel empowered to put their own ideas into action, whether making a rocket ship out of cardboard, inventing a new game, or painting with their toes to learn to count, and The Andover School truly believes in the adage ‘learning through a sense of wonder’.” The dramatic play area is fully decorated in a completely different theme each month to stimulate play and learning.
The Andover School has expanded to a second location on Mercer Island that will open in September. With the graduation of students to Kindergarten, and with the opening of the new Mercer Island location, several AFTERNOON-only positions have just become available. The afternoon program is particularly designed to accommodate the preparation for Kindergarten with an emphasis on letter recognition and writing, math, and advanced cognitive processing. For more information about their half-day programs (9 am – 12:15 pm / 12:45 pm – 4 pm), drop them a line at faculty@theandoverschool.com or phone 425-772-5970.
We thank The Andover School for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
In his second week officially on the job as South Seattle Community College president, Gary Oertli got to take a quick field trip this afternoon. He visited the Seattle Chinese Garden‘s courtyard-construction project with a crew making a video about an upcoming multi-campus event in the Seattle Community Colleges system. We were there for the tour opportunity offered to media reps today – this is the project for which a contingent of Chinese artisans has come to Seattle:
The garden site is on the far northern edge of the SSCC campus; a followup on this afternoon’s whirlwind hard-hat tour is coming up later.
On assignment for WSB, contributing photographer Evan Miglorie stopped by Roxhill Elementary this morning to check on the garden-building party mentioned here yesterday. Volunteers are building nine garden beds where they’ll grow vegetables (“and other edibles,” Evan tells us) to study and eventually eat! It’s under the direction of Maggie Anderson from the King County Food and Fitness Initiative:
She’s been working with schools in eastern West Seattle and White Center to get programs like this one off the ground – and, you could say, IN the ground. Still time to drop by and pitch in – supplies and tools provided, as well as refreshments; they’re scheduled to be there till 3 pm (30th/Roxbury).
With 4 weeks till school starts, big things going on at West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary School First, Lisa sent the photo at left, part of a sign you can see while driving past the school on SW Roxbury – it points out that Roxhill is getting work done through the Building/Technology (BTA) Levy – library improvements, heating-system upgrades, new energy-efficient windows, flooring, and stage drapes. And there’s a volunteer project you can help with tomorrow: 10 am-3 pm Thursday, a garden-building party is happening at Roxhill, and the more available to pitch in, the better. Maggie Anderson, school coordinator from the King County Food and Fitness Initiative, says they’ve got the supplies to build 9 garden beds to support nutrition, science and math programs at Roxhill – they just need the people who can help. You can RSVP to Maggie at 206-205-3186. (Tools and snacks provided as well as the aforementioned supplies!)
Chief Sealth International High School principal John Boyd is moving his school back to its renovated campus at 2600 SW Thistle after two years, and shares word of a sneak-preview event more than a week before the first day of school. It’s a fundraiser for the Friends of Sealth scholarship fund:
Friends of Sealth and Chief Sealth International High School cordially invite you to a:
Sneak Preview PartySeptember 1st, 2010
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Special Guest: Ross Parker, Bassetti ArchitectsJoin us at 6:00 p.m. at the Chief Sealth Main Building entrance for the inside story on the renovation.
At 6:30 p.m. a private tour will be given of the newly renovated main building, gymnasium and the New Galleria. Be the first to tour the completed site!
RESERVATIONS ARE RESPECTFULLY REQUIRED: $50 donation per person.
Proceeds from the Chief Sealth Sneak Preview will benefit the Friends of Sealth Scholarship program.
For Reservations please contact Dick Lee at (206) 252-0476 or email at rjlee@seattleschools.org
By Christian Reyes
University of Washington News Lab
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Amid summer plans and college applications, Chief Sealth International High School student Molly Freed took a break from her regular life to attend a special conference with her social-studies teacher more than a thousand miles away.
Freed and her teacher, Noah Zeichner, were named Bezos Scholars in mid-April, an honor that only 12 students and 12 educators received across the country. All scholars attended the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado in July.
“I was incredibly excited,” Freed said when describing her reaction when she first heard the news. “I had connected my happiness in general to whether or not I got into the program, so I was relieved that my summer was (going to be) as life-changing as I thought.”
The other night, we heard from the West Seattle High School Class of 1990 reunion organizers – and now, another milestone reunion – WSHS Class of 1980 alums are invited to the 30-year reunion tomorrow night and Saturday. Here’s the order of events: Friday night at Brickyard BBQ in the Admiral District, there’s a no-host bar/barbecue get-together, starting at 6 pm; then the big event is at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Saturday night – here’s the schedule, plus a message from reunion organizers:
5:00 pm Happy Hour
6:30 pm-8:30 pm Buffet Dinner
8:30 pm GROUP PHOTO
9:00 pm-midnight Band/Music/DancingGreetings, fellow WSHS Class of ‘80 classmates! Our reunion event is coming up fast and this is a last-ditch effort to reach those of you who we may have missed in connecting with. Our official party will be at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center where, in addition to live music brought to you by the 30 Year Itch band made up of fellow classmates, the evening will include beverages (beer, wine, soda), casual main dishes & dessert. All are invited to contribute a (optional) potluck appetizer or side dish!
A small crew of planners have tried hard to contact all of you, and invite your help in spreading the word to get folks onboard. Price is $40 advance or $50 at the door per adult, kids $10 and under 5 free.
Check out our Facebook sites, where you may also submit a casual pre-register to secure your $40 advance rate.
Facebook Group ‘West Seattle High School – Class of 1980’
Facebook Event ‘West Seattle High School 30th Reunion’
Facebook Event ‘WSHS 30 Reunion Friday Night No-Host Bar BBQ’These events are open to faculty, and to classmates from surrounding years! Come check it out and party with the Class of ’80! Go Westside!
Two sports notes to share – first, from Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Sam Reed:
Attention Chief Sealth International families: Sports packets are now available for pick-up in the main office down on Delridge. A completed packet must be turned in prior to hitting the practice field later this month (football starts 8/18, while volleyball, girls soccer, cross country and golf tee off 8/23). As part of the packet, students need a current physical (good for two calendar years) from a licensed physician.
Packets can be picked up and returned in the main office, from 9 am-3 pm and running until operations are moved to the new building.
Up-to-date athletic information, including summer practice times, will be published on the school’s website beginning August 9th.
In addition, those that may be in need of some new or updated athletic equipment – make Big 5 your place to shop from August 14th – August 23rd and 5% of your total purchase will benefit Chief Sealth Athletics (must present attached coupon – [click here to get it as a PDF])! Valid at ANY Big 5 store during that time.”
Also this morning: West Seattle Pee Wee Baseball has a new “Fall Ball” league, and signups are under way right now. From Pee Wee president Eric Olson:
We play on Sundays starting August 22nd until October 17th. This is Sandlot Baseball to the core. Kids will get to play with a different team of kids each week. It’s a chance for kids moving up a level to learn the rules of the higher division. As usual, it’s geared toward having fun. We’ve chosen to play on Sundays so we don’t interfere with West Seattle Soccer. To register, go to www.westseattlepeewee.com.
Eric says you have until the end of next week to sign up for Fall Ball.
As part of West Seattle Elementary‘s “transformation plan,” required because it was on the state’s “lowest performing” list, the school had to change principals. We checked with Seattle Public Schools today to see if a new one had been named yet, since WSE’s school year starts early – August 31 – and learned that a letter recently went out to WS Elementary families with the announcement. The new principal is Vicki Sacco, who, the district says, has worked for 15 years in Brevard County, Florida. There are more details on her background in the letter sent to WSE families – read it here. The school website invites families to meet the new principal at a barbecue on August 30th. As for former principal Gayle Everly, news about her next job is expected later this week.
Reunion time, if you are a 1990 graduate of West Seattle High School! Noelle Knapp-Lucero wants to get the word out:
The WSHS Class of 90 is holding our 20-year reunion on the weekend of August 20.
We will meet at Rocksport (4209 SW Alaska) on Friday, August 20th, at 7:00 pm. The DJ starts at 9:00. Rocksport would like a headcount, so please let us know if you will be attending (see below for contact info). On Sunday, August 22, we will have a picnic at Lincoln Park. We have reserved tables 23-33 from 11:00-2:00 (see attached map for exact location within the park). There are two grills there and we can bring in our own if we like. To simplify matters, everyone should bring with them whatever they’d like to have for lunch.
We have a Facebook group going called West Seattle High School Class of 1990 – Reunion. Please join us there or contact Noelle Knapp-Lucero at WSHS90@gmail.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Noelle says the sooner the better for RSVPs
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