West Seattle, Washington
26 Sunday
Three notes about West Seattle schools:
COVID CASE: Genesee Hill Elementary families received email sent by principal Gerrit Kischner on Friday afternoon announcing a student had tested positive:
… I am writing to let you know that one of our students is confirmed to have COVID-19. The student was last in the building April 19th after exposure during Spring Break. Students and adults who came in close contact with this student have been identified, notified, and are following Public Health guidelines to isolate and/or quarantine for 10 days.
With sports and other activities restarting, several families have notified us this week that they have kept their children home for testing \because of possible exposure in the home or community. We are glad that this appears to be a single positive case at this time, with no transmission in the building. Please continue to notify us of possible concerns so that we can remain vigilant. …
Thanks to the reader who forwarded that email. They also noted that the district is keeping a public dashboard of cases, by region rather than by school; it shows the Southwest region – West Seattle and South Park – with 19 cases reported this school year, 12 students and 7 staffers.
COHORTS MERGE: Last weekend we noted that Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer had told families that if more students didn’t sign up for the hybrid option, they would merge cohorts, instead of one group having in-person classes Monday/Tuesday afternoons and another having them Thursday/Friday afternoons. This weekend, she notified families that the merger is indeed on, so the only days with in-person learning at Sealth will be Mondays/Tuesdays.
GRADUATION DATES: As first reported here two weeks ago, the district will have in-person graduation ceremonies after all. The dates/times are now set – Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS will both have ceremonies on Saturday, June 12th – WSHS at 11 am, CSIHS at 5 pm. Interagency Academy, which includes two West Seattle locations, will graduate at 5:30 pm Thursday, June 17. Those and most other Seattle Public Schools graduations this year will be at Memorial Stadium downtown.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
On the day after Earth Day, this is a story about recycling.
For the second time in six years, Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor) is recycling an old church.
Its Arbor Heights campus, opened in 2015 after Westside spent 34 years at other locations, is built on what was Hillcrest Presbyterian Church. And now Westside is expanding south, by renovating the former New Apostolic Church next door (3210 SW 106th) into two preschool classrooms, enabling the independent school to double the size of its preschool and pre-K programs.
Two years ago, we mentioned that the owners of the former church, whose congregation merged with one in Federal Way, had approached Westside about possibly renting the property. The idea of using it for a preschool expansion was in a very early stage then. But it’s since blossomed into a lease and a plan; the work is now under way, with the expansion expected to open this fall.
We toured the under-renovation site this week with Westside’s head of school Steve de Beer, preschool/pre-kindergarten division director McKenzie Craig, and advancement director Nicole Caden.
Teacher Craig Parsley has been an integral part of Louisa Boren STEM K-8 since its start – our photo above shows him at a community meeting about the school’s strategic plan during its first year in 2012-2013, back when it was K-5. Last night, Boren STEM PTA leaders emailed to share the news that he’s been chosen for a prestigious regional award:
Congratulations to Craig Parsley for winning the Patsy Collins Award for Excellence in Education from IslandWood.
The “award selection committee was so impressed by Craig’s commitment to meaningful and equitable learning that inspires environmental awareness and stewardship, and are thrilled to present him with this $5,000 award.”
If your student has had Mr. Parsley, you know. It’s life-changing classes. Congratulations, Craig!
Countless local families know that, as Parsley taught at Schmitz Park Elementary (now Genesee Hill) before helping launch Boren STEM.
IslandWood is a regional environmental-education nonprofit. It will celebrate this year’s winners at an online event May 4th.
Up for a little late-night bidding? Just 26 hours to go in this online silent auction for two local nonprofit preschools. We just found out about it toaay in this note from Areli Enriquez:
Our annual silent auction is underway, and virtual for the first time due to the pandemic! For the past thirteen years, Refugee and Immigrant Family Center & SouthWest Early Learning Bilingual Preschools have provided high-quality, culturally enriching preschools, serving families in and around our West Seattle/White Center and Burien community.
Many of the children we serve come from lower-income families that do not have the resources to go on field trips, learn a second language, explore hands-on interests, or be provided a high-quality preschool education for free or low cost. The money we raise through this Silent Auction will significantly benefit the children, our classrooms, and teachers alike.
Our goal is $30,000 and with only one day left in the auction. we really need the community support to help reach our goal!! We have plenty of items to bid on and if nothing catches your fancy, donations are also highly welcomed! Our auction website is charityauction.bid/swelrifcauction and to learn more about RIFC, go here: refugeeandimmigrantfamilycenter.org and to learn more about SWEL, go here: southwestearlylearning.org.
RIFC is in Delridge and has had a few mayoral visits in recent years.
You have until 3 pm to sign up to watch this tonight or tomorrow night:
There is still time to get on the ‘Guest List’ for Alki PTA’s Musical Premiere Online Viewing Parties. RSVP by 3:00 PM today! alkimusical.square.site
Alki PTA’s first Online Musical premieres TONIGHT (Super Cast!) and Friday (Awesome Cast!) at 6:30 PM! If you have already donated, purchased from the Bake Sale, or added your name to the Guest List, your Viewing Party Zoom live stream links are in your inbox! Email info@alkipta.com if you do not see them!
Even if you don’t have a student in the house, we want to remind you that Seattle Public Schools‘ middle- and high-school campuses reopen for part-time in-person learning starting tomorrow. Here on the peninsula, that means increased activity at Chief Sealth International High School, Denny International Middle School, Madison Middle School, and West Seattle High School, as well as Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and Pathfinder K-8. For students and their families the district has these reminders:
Daily Health Screening
If the student will be attending in-person school, they will need to complete the daily health screening prior to 7 a.m. for the morning session or 10 a.m. for the afternoon session. (More information about schedules can be found here.) The health screening will be delivered by email (also can be received by text). The daily health screening will be sent by 5 a.m. every school day. 6-12 grade students can fill out the health screening themselves once a parent or guardian gives permission. Learn more about the daily health screening. If the daily health screening isn’t complete before the student arrives at school, it can be done on site.Keeping School Communities Healthy
To keep SPS school communities healthy and safe, students and families are reminded:
• If the student is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea – they should not come to school.• If a student has traveled during spring break, we recommend families follow public health guidance and quarantine. Contact the school’s attendance office to communicate the student’s absence.
Masks
Students are encouraged to bring their own mask to school. The mask should fit above the nose, chin, and snugly against the face. Students can watch a short video about how to wear a mask.Student Devices
6-12 grade students returning to buildings should bring their SPS-issued laptops, or a personal device, for their in-person learning session. Instructions for helping students connect with their personal devices in the classroom have been provided to educators. Elementary students may be asked to bring their devices into their classrooms to support learning. Students should bring devices fully charged and in a backpack or other protected cover or case.Meals
District meal distribution site hours have changed to support in-person learning. The 40 meal sites will now be open from 10:45 a.m. -1:15 p.m. Bus routes will deliver meals on Wednesdays only. All students can access hot, prepared meals at meal sites. Grab and go breakfast and lunch will also be available for students learning in-person at each school site.Public Transportation: 6th-12th grade students
If a student plans to use public transportation, they are urged to have their Orca card. If a student doesn’t have an Orca card, it can be requested at school when the student arrives to school. Students can use the Metro Trip Planner or contact Metro customer service for help at 206-553-3000. All students should allow extra time to reach school and when leaving school. More tips and links for students and families are on the Metro Matters Blog.
As announced when a tentative agreement was reached April 1st, middle- and high-school students who chose to return to in-person learning will attend their schools two afternoons a week, with remote learning continuing the rest of the week. For middle-schoolers at K-8s, it’s up to the school whether their in-person classes are in the mornings or afternoons.
9:55 PM: Hybrid learning may not have had an overwhelming reception, at least at CSIHS, whose principal told families in email tonight that they have until Friday to change their choice, and “if the in-person numbers do not increase, we will collapse the two in-person cohorts into one cohort.”
As Seattle Public Schools‘ high-school students get ready for part-time in-person learning starting Monday, a delayed major-sport season is winding down. Both West Seattle HS and Chief Sealth IHS won their football games this week – West Seattle over Nathan Hale last night, 24-0, while Sealth beat Ingraham on Thursday, 23-22. The Seahawks are 5-2, the Wildcats 3-1. Another major sport season is around the corner – the delayed basketball season starts week after next, for girls as well as boys.
The Alki Elementary PTA has a triple invitation for you – involving entertainment, flowers, and treats. Here’s the announcement:
Broadway has been dark for over a year… But the lights are bright at Alki Elementary! Alki PTA is thrilled to announce the 10th anniversary of their musical theater enrichment program with this year’s musical, Super Happy Awesome News! Thursday, April 22nd (Super Cast!) and Friday, April 23rd (Awesome Cast!) at 6:30 PM.
We’d like to extend the invitation to our surrounding West Seattle schools and community to get on the guest list at Alkimusical.square.site for a fun family night joining our Zoom viewing parties to watch our pre-recorded shows! You won’t want to miss 29 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Alki performers bringing you this totally new musical from Beat by Beat Press, written during quarantine about kids in quarantine! In this crazy year, we all need a little Super Happy Awesome News!
In Alki PTA Musical tradition, we will be having a Flower & Bake Sale – ONLINE NOW through Sunday, April 18th at midnight – where all proceeds benefit Alki PTA and our community partners: Admiral Theatre, Jones Soda, Cupcake Royale, Alm Hill Gardens, Treat Cookies, Franz Bakery and more! Pre-order beautiful spring flower bouquets for your home, popcorn buckets for your viewing parties, tasty treats, and cupcakes to celebrate the night! And don’t forget your PBJGBCSWC Sandwich Kit! (Trust us, after watching Chef make this tasty treat during the production, every kid will want to make their own!) Pick up your goods near Alki Elementary April 22nd and 23rd 3:30 – 5:30 PM.
Your $5 suggested donation and/or purchase from the Super Happy Awesome Flower + Bake Sale at Alkimusical.square.site will ensure you are on the Guest List to receive both of the Premiere Viewing Party Zoom links in your inbox the week of the show!
On behalf of the cast and crew of Super Happy Awesome News and Alki PTA, we thank you for your support! For more information please visit alkipta.com
(Rendering identifying ‘opportunity areas’ at existing HPE playground)
Even if you couldn’t be at last week’s planning meeting for the next phase of Highland Park Elementary‘s playground improvements, it’s not too late to have a say. The community coalition working on the plan is continuing the online questionnaire through this Thursday – you can answer it by going here. Organizers note, “We want this space to be fun and engaging for all the families in the community” – and offering ideas in this early stqge is one way to ensure that.
School-support groups have continued fundraisers even through the pandemic, with the help of generous local businesses, Here’s the next one: Friends of Roxhill Elementary will benefit from 10 percent of the proceeds at the Thai-U-Up truck at 30th/Roxbury on Monday and Tuesday evenings for the rest of the month – 5 pm to 8:45 pm tonight, tomorrow, April 19-20, and April 26-27. You can order online at thaiuup.com.
The Chief Sealth International High School slowpitch-softball team has just wrapped up an undefeated season with their second Metro League title. Thanks to Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio for sending the photo and report. (Their previous title win was in fall 2019 but this year’s athletic seasons have had major schedule changes because of the pandemic.)
Lafayette Elementary is offering those couches free for the taking. We posted the listing in the Freebies/Sales section of the WSB Community Forums, but we just went by and they’re still available, so we’re mentioning it here too. They’re along the SW Lander side of the building (the street is one way eastbound there, across from the Good Society outdoor seating). They used to be in classrooms but that doesn’t work with the pandemic layout, we’re told, so they had to go.
Thanks for the tips. After we published news earlier of the principal change at Genesee Hill Elementary and the next principal announced for Chief Sealth IHS, we learned of another West Seattle school with a change at the top announced today: Longtime principal David Dockendorf is leaving Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point. Here’s what district superintendent Denise Juneau sent to the Pathfinder community:
I am pleased to announce Dr. Britney Holmes as the next principal of Pathfinder K-8. Dr. Holmes will be replacing Principal David Dockendorf, who is retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
Dr. Holmes was selected through a rigorous process which included multiple interviews with central office staff, including school-based interview teams, and was interviewed and selected by Superintendent Juneau based on her demonstrated experience building coalitions among multiple stakeholder groups, championing a vision of anti-racist practice and social justice in schools, and maintaining systems to provide and maintain high levels of academic rigor.
Dr. Holmes’ most recent experience at Hazel Wolf K-8 aligns with the school’s stakeholders’ vision and commitment to championing and acting on a vision of equity and cultivating instructional expertise. Dr. Holmes will begin as principal starting July 1, 2021.
Please join me in thanking Principal Dockendorf for his service to Pathfinder, and welcoming Principal Holmes.
Dockendorf is West Seattle’s longest-serving principal – the Pathfinder website says he’s led the school since 1999. Dr. Holmes is currently assistant principal at Hazel Wolf, which is in northeast Seattle.
Thanks for the tip! More principal news from Seattle Public Schools: One month after Chief Sealth Internqtional High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer announced she will retire after this school year ends, the district has announced her successor. Here’s the letter sent by superintendent Denise Juneau to the CSIHS community:
The hiring team, which included students, community members, teachers, classroom support staff, and SPS leaders recommended Mr. Morales based on his clear vision for students, his focus on equity and inclusion, and his commitment to the rigorous profile of a graduate that have grounded Chief Sealth’s philosophy as an international, 21st century high school.
Mr. Morales is a Seattle native who values education, social justice, and service. He earned his BA at University of Washington, his Masters in Social Work at Columbia University, and his Principal Certification at Seattle University. Mr. Morales will begin as principal on July 1, 2021.
Please join me in thanking Principal Fraser-Hammer for her service to Chief Sealth and welcoming Principal Morales.
Before Cleveland, the new CSIHS principal was at Tyee High School in SeaTac.
(WSB photo, Principal Kischner at Genesee Hill just before its 2016 opening)
Five years after presiding over the move of Schmitz Park Elementary‘s staff and students into the newly built Genesee Hill Elementary, principal Gerrit Kischner is moving on. Seattle Public Schools has just announced that he’s being transferred to Thornton Creek Elementary in North Seattle after the school year ends, and assistant principal Liz Dunn will succeed him. Here’s the letter Kischner sent to the school community:
Dear Genesee Hill Families and Community,
I’m writing today to share some news that may come as a surprise to many of you. On July 1st, I will be transferring to be Principal of Thornton Creek Elementary. While I am very sad to be leaving the community that I have been privileged to serve for thirteen years – time for a full generation of students from Kindergarten to graduation — I am also thrilled to announce that Liz Dunn has been tapped to replace me as Principal of Genesee Hill.
This news came as a surprise to me, and I did not ask for this transfer, but I am ready to take on this substantial challenge at Thornton Creek, a school which has struggled with frequent leadership turnover since its long-time principal retired. I hope that I can help to build the same collaborative community spirit that has made my job such a joy here in West Seattle.
While the substantial changes we have all faced in the last year make the timing of this transition somewhat difficult for many of us, Genesee Hill is in a great position heading into this next chapter. After year-after-year growth and the construction of a new building, we have thrived as a community. Ms. Dunn’s deep knowledge of the families she has served for now twenty years will give her an opportunity to bring a new leadership lens to the things we return to and the new lessons we have learned throughout this pandemic. In many ways, it’s a perfect time to make this transition, and I will be dedicated in these remaining months to laying the groundwork to make that possible.
There are too many people to even start thanking individuals for everything you have done to make Genesee Hill a great place for kids over these years. I will make every effort to connect in the coming months.
With that, best wishes for a restorative and hope-filled Spring Break.
Best,
Gerrit
Kischner’s 13 years at Schmitz Park/Genesee Hill is one of the longest principal tenures in West Seattle.
(WSB photo from 2019 Chief Sealth IHS commencement ceremony)
Two weeks ago, we reported that Seattle Public Schools was close to a decision on whether to have in-person graduation ceremonies this year. We checked back with district spokesperson Tim Robinson, who replied with this statement from the district official overseeing planning:
We have shifted to an in-person model based on the governor’s change in level and further direction from OSPI. All of our comprehensive schools will graduate at Memorial (Stadium). That is the only venue that meets the guidelines. We are working on a plan to allow ticketed guests in limited numbers. For our small schools we are working on other sites and options.
Local students launched a petition drive in February asking the district to allow in-person ceremonies this year. SPS high-school students will return to campuses for part-time in-person instruction starting April 19th; next week is spring break.
The abbreviated school-sports seasons continue, with word from West Seattle High School that its golfers did well in the Metro League tournament:
(Photos courtesy WSHS)
That’s senior Lauryn Nguyen, who won her fourth consecutive Metro League individual title. The girls’ team tied for third in the tournament with Holy Names Academy, “with only three strokes separating first and third place,” WSHS reports. The boys’ team finished seventh, “with only 15 strokes separating first and seventh.” For the boys, senior Nic Chantorn finished 7th, earning all-Metro League honors.
As reported here back in February, both Lauryn and Nic are going on to play collegiate golf – she signed with Northwestern University and he signed with Bellevue College.
Next step toward construction of a $10.5 million, 12,500-square-foot addition at Madison Middle School is this Wednesday afternoon (April 7th), when the city Landmarks Preservation Board considers approving the project. Since Madison is a city landmark (here’s the backstory), with its main building dating back to 1929, the board has to approve additions/changes to the campus. Here’s the slide deck prepared for the meeting, showing the design and location features of the addition, which includes a bicycle-parking shelter:
Wednesday’s meeting is online, starting at 3:30 pm with a public-comment period. The agenda includes more documents on the Madison proposal and other items, as well as how to participate in and/or view the meeting.
With Seattle Public Schools‘ elementary students returning to classrooms starting tomorrow, West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary is one of the first four schools to pilot a new SDOT no-through-traffic program, School Streets. These are similar to Stay Healthy Streets – explained by SDOT as “closed to most cars and open to people walking, biking, and rolling to school (to) provide more space for social distancing at school pick-up and drop-off.” This will affect the block of 34th SW in front of Roxhill, between SW Holden and Kenyon, in effect stretching the existing Stay Healthy Street one more block south.
Here’s an SDOT flyer explaining the plan. The Roxhill block is the only School Street in the first four to launch citywide, but SDOT says it will work with other schools interested in requesting one.
(WSB photos)
We stopped by the Denny International Middle School/Chief Sealth International High School campus today after “Lunch Lady Doree” Fazio-Young (above left, with Aaron Smith) tweeted about the nutrition team’s seasonal decor.
They’ve made things festive for students throughout the year – fall, winter, now spring.
Meantime, an important note for families – after today, with more students returning to campus, this meal site and others around the district will have new hours starting Monday – opening earlier for grab-and-go food pickup, 10:45 am, continuing every weekday until 1:15 pm. (Sites are listed toward the bottom of this page.) The one meal-delivery bus route in West Seattle will only be in operation on Wednesdays
In last night’s pandemic-news roundup, we mentioned the Seattle Education Association had told its members that an agreement about middle- and high-school in-person learning was close. Now, it’s official – a tentative agreement was just announced. From the news release:
Students — in-person and remote learners — begin April 5 for 6-12th grade Special Education Intensive Service Pathways students and April 19 for all other secondary students….
The tentative agreement strives to keep students with their current educators and provides four full days of instruction for all students. Students in secondary schools regardless of learning model will receive synchronous remote classes in the morning four days a week.
In the afternoons, middle and high schools will offer all students both remote and in-person small group and individual instruction and support. Students that select the in-person instructional model will attend class two (2) half days per week. Students enrolled in an intensive service pathway will receive four (4) half days of in-person instruction. K-8 schools will determine whether secondary students receive in-person instruction in the morning or afternoon. Wednesdays will continue to be remote for all students.
More information will be distributed to families by email and on the SPS website. …
This tentative agreement is subject to approval by both SEA members and the school board. SPS will send families an intent to return survey. Families will be asked to select the 100% remote model or hybrid, in-person model for the remainder of the year.
The week of April 12th is the district’s spring break.
Three years ago, we reported on the completion of a first phase of playground improvements at Highland Park Elementary. It took years of community work just to get to that point, but it’s now time for the next phase, and time for your thoughts! Here’s the announcement:
Who: A community-led project, partners include the Highland Park Elementary Parent Teacher Association, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods.
What: We are seeking community input to inform and influence the play area layout and play equipment options at Highland Park Elementary School:
When: Throughout the spring, we will be hosting three virtual design workshops and distributing questionnaires to gather feedback.
Open now: People can learn more about the project and fill out the questionnaire here: hpeplayarea.infocommunity.org.
Coming up: The first virtual workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7 from 3:00 – 4:30, and folks can register here. There will be interpretation in Spanish and Vietnamese. This workshop is open to the public and children are welcome!
This round of planning is happening with the help of a $49,500 matching-fund grant announced last November.
Hunger-fighting help continues to be available from various sources. At Highland Park Elementary, family-support worker Dominique Pie is organizing another drive-up/walk-up/ride-up food-box distribution event. It’ll be outside the school at 1012 SW Trenton this Friday (April 2nd), 2 pm-5 pm. All welcome, first-come, first-served – don’t forget your mask! This event is co-sponsored by Together Washington.
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