West Seattle, Washington
06 Sunday
Thanks to Nicole from the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA for word on this:
On Thursday, June 4th from 8:00- 9:00 pm, Elijah Allen-White ( Sealth Student) will be the featured student DJ for the KNKX 88.5 FM jazz24.org Evening Jazz Show with jazz host Abe Beeson. Tune in and listen or if you miss the show you can hear it online at jazz24.org.
Today we welcome Trivas Family Medicine as a new WSB sponsor. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about what they offer – here’s what Trivas would like you to know:
Trivas Family Medicinee is a primary care clinic in West Seattle run by Courtney Johnson, MD. Trivas is a Direct Primary Care clinic, which is a membership-based style of care. People become members by paying a simple, affordable, monthly membership fee (similar to how you use Netflix), and then you can access your health care whenever you want or need it! Services include care of all ages, care of acute symptoms or chronic illnesses, physicals and well-child checks, primary-care office procedures, and may include Coronavirus testing.
Members enjoy open access to their personal physician by office visit, video, phone, or text. Same-day and next-day visits are almost always accommodated (and always with the same doctor!). All visits are scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes so you have plenty of time to have your questions answered. If medications, labs, imaging, or specialty care are recommended, then we preferentially refer to lower cost or wholesale options.
Trivas Family Medicine is a great option for people who have health concerns during the Coronavirus crisis! If you have lost your health insurance, didn’t have it to start with, or have a high-deductible plan, Trivas offers excellent care at an affordable price! If you have insurance, but your doctor is on the other side of an impassable bridge, consider getting amazing care locally!
Due to the personalized nature of this style of practice, we limit the inflow of new patients. High volume medicine is not our style. We are, however, eager to help those whose ability to address health concerns has been compromised by this public health crisis, economic downturn, and diminished access to downtown clinics.
You can find more details, signup information for Trivas Family Medicine, and how Direct Primary Care works, on our website at trivasfamilymedicine.com. Or send an email or call if you have questions!
We thank Trivas Family Medicine for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The coronavirus-crisis money crunch could force Sound Transit to delay and/or cut some of its upcoming projects – and everything’s on the table, including the plan to bring light rail to West Seattle in 2030.
Potential scenarios for funding gaps, and potential ways to address them, were presented to the ST Board at a Wednesday afternoon workshop. We watched it online. Here’s the slide deck (also, here in PDF):
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Butler started with the grim numbers. When you look at them, keep in mind that sales tax provides a big chunk of ST’s funding. And since sales are way down, sales tax is too. Projecting out to the end of ST3 in 2041, they could be down $8 billion in a “moderate” recession, $12 billion in a “severe” one.
They can’t just borrow their way out of it, because they project costs would start exceeding theirc combined debt limit around 2028. So that’s when their current plan starts becoming “unaffordable.”
One way to tackle that might be to increase their debt limit – which would require supermajority voter approval. Also, they could try to raise revenue to increasing rental-car taxes and fares (both dicey propositions right now since the virus has squashed travel and transit use).
Or – they could cut costs by scaling down, stretching out, or delaying projects. “The choice doesn’t need to be IF you’re going to do a given project, but WHEN,” said Don Billen, ST’s executive director of planning.
ST has 10 projects in the pipeline for 2025-2041 completion, including the West Seattle branch in 2030. No specific projects were proposed for changes or delays in this discussion, but it was suggested that, for example, any given project could be stretched out or even built in segments, as has happened in South King County.
Where the West Seattle extension starts to look a bit endangered is in the potential criteria for suggesting changes, such as whether the project advances the system “spine” (no), whether it must “be completed for other projects to happen” (no), and whether “communities the project serves have other transit options” (yes).
No specific projects were discussed at the workshop, and no decisions were made. Next step is a discussion of the decision-making criteria at the board’s next Executive Committee meeting (originally planned for today but postponed until sometime next week), followed by a broader discussion at the full board meeting June 23, and decisions sometime this summer.
In the meantime, the West Seattle light-rail line – one of the projects in the 2016 ST3 ballot measure – remains in the environmental-study phase, with the next milestone currently scheduled to be the draft Environmental Impact Statement’s release early next year. ST spokesperson David Jackson tells WSB, “Work continues on the West Seattle-Ballard project, but plans and timelines of all projects not currently under contract or in construction are subject to change as part of our realignment process.”
As announced by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:
On June 4th, the Historical Society is hosting a virtual birthday party for kids and kids-at-heart celebrating early Seattlite Louisa Boren. Known as the Sweetbriar bride, Louisa would have been 193 years old this June. Join us to learn about Louisa’s life and we will show you how to make some fun projects with roses! Register at: loghousemuseum.org/events/june-4-louisa-boren-virtual-birthday-party
6:07 AM: Good morning – the 73rd morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you’re headed out – here are the cameras for the 5-way intersection at West Marginal/Delridge/Spokane/Chelan, and the restricted-access low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
(Added: Photo sent by Jason)
10:55 PM: SFD and SPD are responding to the 4800 block of Erskine Way for a report of a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound. No other details yet.
11:03 PM: Police report being told this was the result of some kind of altercation/confrontation. The victim is being taken to the hospital.
11:12 PM: Police are looking for a suspect, described only, so far, as a “white male with a shaved head.”
11:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is assisting with the search.
11:42 PM: The search is ranging over a fairly wide area. Meantime, police are checking security video at the 7-11 to see if it has anything that’ll help.
11:54 PM: The victim was in serious condition when transported, SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB. He also says the victim is 32, which is a change from the original radio exchange describing him as 20.
1:08 PM THURSDAY: Our inquiry to SPD has been answered by this SPD Blotter post, but the only new info is that the suspect is still out there somewhere:
At approximately 10:45 PM, officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 4800 block of Erskine Way SW. When they arrived they found the victim in a parking lot, with a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers immediately performed first aid until they were relieved by the Seattle Fire Department medics, who transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center.
Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene who stated that it appeared that the victim and another man were in an argument just prior to the shooting. The suspect fled. A K-9 team responded and attempted a track, but the suspect was not located.
(7/3 note – find the updated list HERE)
We’ve received multiple inquiries this week about a list of Black-owned businesses in West Seattle, from readers who want to show their support. We couldn’t find one, so we’ve started one – we have 10 to start with but are sure you know of others, so we’re asking for your help in building the list – you can comment with additions or email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com:
A Kids Place Too Dentistry for Children (WSB sponsor)
(2617 California SW)
Down to Reiki
(3400 Harbor SW)
Full Spectrum Training Studio
(9240 2nd Ave SW)
Hot Chocolat
(4611 36th SW)
Jones Barbeque
(4417 Fauntleroy Way SW)
Junction Fitness
(4714 42nd SW)
Lika Love Boutique
(4547 California SW)
(added 6/4) Move2Center Studio
(3618 SW Alaska St., lower level)
(added 6/4) New Luck Toy
(5905 California SW)
Platinum Cuts & Salon
(9434 Delridge Way SW)
(added 6/5) Professional Home Inspectors, LLC
(4511 35th Avenue SW, Suite 303
Project 968
(4617 37th SW)
The Avenue (formerly Pacific Room)
(2808 Alki SW, currently closed for remodeling)
West Seattle Animal Hospital
(4700 42nd SW)
West Seattle Fish House
(9005 35th SW)
(added 6/4) Wingstop
(Westwood Village)
If King County gets to go to “modified Phase 1,” it’ll restart more than first proposed. That’s where we start tonight’s roundup.
KING COUNTY SEEKS ‘MODIFIED PHASE 1’: Two days later than originally planned, King County has sent the state its request to move to a “modified Phase 1.” (Here’s the full application.) In addition to what was mentioned when the plan was announced last Friday, the county also seeks permission for some indoor dining and indoor fitness – here are the details. How soon will the state decide? Could be just a few days.
CONFUSED ABOUT THE PHASES? This doesn’t speak to the “modified” part, but as for the 1/2/3/4 basics, here’s a refresher.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:
*8,277 people have tested positive, up 42 from yesterday
*562 people have died, up 2 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 7,931 and 549.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: Gov. Inslee spoke at mid-afternoon; it was part about the protests, part about COVID-19. No major announcements. But here’s the video if you’re interested.
UTILITY RESTART: As the post-stay-home era proceeds, there’s much to unravel. Seattle City Light says it’s resuming planned outages when and where they’re needed for projects like pole replacement.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
The citywide curfew is now canceled. Here’s the announcement just in from the mayor’s office:
After meeting with community leaders today, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Chief Carmen Best announced that the citywide curfew will end effective immediately. The curfew was originally recommended by the Seattle Police Department as a way to aid in crowd control and preserve public safety after violence on Saturday. However, the Mayor and Chief chose to rescind the curfew following feedback from community leaders and protestors who wanted to ensure no peaceful individuals who were demonstrating were arrested. The Seattle Police Department did not make a single arrest for violation of the curfew.
“These last few days have been deeply trying, and have caused a level of sadness, anger, and frustration from the community that makes crystal clear: At the City, we can work together to make changes,” said Mayor Durkan. “On Saturday, we first implemented the curfew as a tool to help the Seattle Police Department disperse peaceful crowds, keep vulnerable people in their homes, and preserve public health and safety. However, community leaders made it clear that wanted to ensure peaceful demonstrations could still occur and ensure there was no disruption for our workers, and small business owners. Throughout the day, we have seen peaceful demonstrations, and Chief Best believes we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew. Effective immediately, the curfew is no longer in effect in the City of Seattle. For those who are demonstrating, please keep making your voices heard peacefully.”
The City of Seattle will send a notice of the terminated curfew via Alert Seattle, which sends notifications directly to residents’ mobile phones. The City encourages all residents to sign up for Alert Seattle to receive notifications directly to their mobile device.
As we start to proceed through reopening so much of what’s been closed because of the virus crisis, the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) has a message for its members:
We are getting ready to welcome you back to the Y.
We miss you! It’s been hard to be away from the people we care about. Thank you for persevering and doing your part to stay safe and stop the spread of coronavirus. We are so looking forward to welcoming community back to the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Visit the link on our website to learn about what we are planning for your welcome back, as well as where to find updates as more information becomes available.
Due to our Fauntleroy YMCA location being used for summer camp, it will not be reopening immediately for member use. Instead, when we do reopen, we ask that all members utilize the West Seattle location through the summer.
(WSB photos)
6:02 PM: Local anti-racism advocates gathered at 16th/Holden this afternoon for West Seattle’s latest peaceful protest in solidarity with what’s happening coast to coast.
As was the case Tuesday in The Junction, participants spanned a wide age range.
Organizers chose the location for visibility, since Holden is now a major detour route because of the West Seattle Bridge closure.
This group chose not to announce their demonstration publicly in advance. But for those who want to join an organized event, we have heard directly from organizers of two on Saturday afternoon (June 6th): One is a march from Admiral (we’re awaiting the time), gathering at Anytime Fitness (California/College) to join up with the previously announced 2 pm gathering in The Junction at California/Alaska.
ADDED 7:02 PM: More info on the Saturday march from Admiral:
Meet at Anytime Fitness at College/California. 12:30 gather, 1 pm march. Goal is to join up with the protest happening at 2pm at the WS Junction at Admiral.
This is a peaceful march from the Admiral Junction to support our brothers and sisters protesting police brutality and the systems that support the oppression of the black communities in West Seattle and around the world.
Please join us at in the Admiral Junction (exact location will be updated asap) @ 1pm. We’ll peacefully march to the Alaska Junction and join the Seattle Junction BLM Protest https://twitter.com/junctionprotest by 2 pm.
To be very clear: the hosts of this event do not support any destruction or violence towards people or businesses.
We are still in midst of a global pandemic. Please stay home if you are sick or feeling any symptoms of Covid-19. Wear protective gear, bring your signs, and keep safe distance from those not in your family/group.
Big installation project at historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse today – new energy-efficient windows for The Hall at Fauntleroy, at the schoolhouse’s south end!
A crane was needed to install the windows – we recorded some video:
Here’s what one of the new windows looks like:
The Hall is a popular venue for events and meetings – this was a perfect time to get the work done since those aren’t allowed to resume yet. (Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering, which operates The Hall, is offering weekly family meals for pickup, though – more info here.)
(WSB photo)
Thanks to Chris for mentioning that early-morning RV fire on 16th SW by the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. We didn’t hear about it in real time – the callout was just after 6:15 am – but followed up. SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says the RV was “fully involved” when firefighters arrived; no injuries reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
First, two reopenings:
REALFINE COFFEE: Proprietor Julie reopened the shop in The Triangle today, for takeout. Realfine will be open 7 am-1 pm, Wednesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays-Tuesdays. (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NEW LUCK TOY: Now open for takeout (food and drinks)/delivery (food only), 4 pm-9 pm daily. Order online or by phone, 206-913-2505. (5905 California SW)
And a followup:
REBELLYOUS NUGGETS AVAILABLE IN WEST SEATTLE: We noted last month that the “plant-based ‘chicken’ nuggets” startup in The Triangle was starting to sell retail, but at the time, no West Seattle outlet. That’s just changed – Rebellyous tells WSB that Wildwood Market in Fauntleroy (9214 45th Ave SW) is now carrying their nuggets.
King County has just officially asked the state for permission to go to a “modified Phase 1” status (see the letter here), and it’s got more than first announced last week – including some indoor dining. From the announcement:
King County submitted a plan to the state Department of Health to allow for limited openings of businesses in a modified Phase 1 of the Safe Start plan, including allowing some indoor seating at restaurants.
King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott today submitted a plan to the state Department of Health that would allow limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses and personal activities.
The county’s application includes recommendations from King County local health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin that would:
-allow all outdoor recreation permitted in Phase 2 in Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start plan
-expand opening indoor fitness studios for one-on-one activities
-allow restaurants to begin opening indoor seating at 25% of normal capacity
-allow hair stylists and other personal services at 25% capacity“Our plan to safely reopen our region’s economy is based on the latest data, recommendations by Public Health experts, and insight from communities and businesses,” said Executive Constantine. “We are ready to take the next careful step toward an equitable recovery that benefits everyone who calls King County home.”
The state is expected to decide within the next several days whether it will accept the modified plan which was developed in consultation with Public Health experts, community leaders, businesses, and the King County Council.
Public Health – Seattle & King County recently posted a new dashboard featuring key indicators, with targets that help inform reopening decisions. Based on trends toward all the targets, public health officials and policymakers believe these openings, done safely, will enable much-needed economic activity while also protecting the public and managing the spread of disease in our community.
With the limited re-opening, maintaining the safety principles that led to the success against the outbreak has never been more important. These include continuing to practice physical distancing of 6 feet or more, minimizing contact with others outside the home, frequent hand washing or sanitizer, use of cloth face coverings in public, and avoiding group gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces. …
See the full list by going here. The state has said it might need as little as “a few days” to review and approve proposals like this, but that approval is needed before any of this can happen.
Thanks to Duncan for the photo. That U.S. Navy submarine passed West Seattle as it headed northbound in Puget Sound a short time ago – MarineTraffic.com, which identifies it only as “U.S. submarine,” shows it already well north of here.
11:08 AM: From Suzanne:
My grandson just turned 13 years old (on Monday). He finished his online studies (Tuesday) afternoon and went about three blocks to Lafayette School to skateboard. As he was skating he was jumped by four high-school boys, who took his cell phone and $30 from him. If your teenage son was in that area with three of his friends, please check to see if they have a phone that isn’t theirs or some extra cash. My grandson suffered scrapes and bruises as he was being attacked. He said he got one good hit in to one of the boys, so check your child for a facial bruise…PLEASE!!!! A Police report has been filed with clear descriptions of the boys who assaulted my grandson. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. … Please help us find these boys before they really hurt someone. His brother had given him a knife for his birthday. It was stolen as well.
The description wasn’t included but we’re attempting to get the police report.
ADDED 2:20 PM: The previously mentioned SPD incident #, 20-179853, turns out to be from a different robbery yesterday, with this report narrative:
On 6-2-20 at approximately 2:15 PM the juvenile victim was at 45 Ave SW/SW Spokane St. The victim stated that a dark 4-door sedan passed him and honked. The suspect vehicle turned around and approached the victim. The suspect vehicle cut the victim off and two teenagers exited the vehicle and demanded his bag. The victim had fear of being assaulted so he gave the suspects his bag. The suspects drove away Northbound on 45 Ave SW. Officers checked the area for the suspects but did not locate them.
We also have a text from the victim’s mom in that case – she writes that her son, 14, “was riding (his) bike … with a friend … when a blue four-door sedan started honking at them. As the car started to cut off their path the friend stopped and rode another way. The car stopped my son’s path and two of the four young white guys got out of the car. “Give your backpack and nothing else will happe.” My son said OK and handed it over. The car left and my son went to his nearest friend’s house.” Police were then called.
And we’ve heard from another reader who writes, “Our neighbor on 36th Ave SW said his son was mugged at the reservoir park (park across from OLG school on 36th) last night. … They took his phone.” The incident # showing for that area is 20-179948.
Back in April, when checking on a notice received in one local neighborhood, we got first word that Seattle City Light was putting planned outages on hold. That’s ending, the utility has announced:
In April, as our community was observing Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, City Light voluntarily paused all work that required an outage to minimize service disruptions to our customers.
Now, as we turn our attention to reopening and recovery, it’s critical that we resume essential critical infrastructure work to improve electrical reliability and ensure the safety of our infrastructure. Beginning June 8, we will resume critical work that requires planned outages.
Why Outages are Necessary
Planned power outages are important to maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. Planned outages are necessary to ensure that City Light crews can complete their work in a safe, efficient manner. We understand that outages can be burdensome, and even more so as our customers are at home working, teaching children, and maintaining a healthy life during the COVID-19 crisis.
Planned outages are scheduled for a variety of reasons. Depending on the type of work, outages can occur during the day, at night or on the weekends. Our approach to scheduling planned outages is consistent throughout our service area. Safety, reliability and customer needs are considered as employees plan and schedule any outage-related work.
What Impacted Customers Should Expect
If a planned outage will be taking place in your neighborhood, you can expect to receive a notification at least five days ahead of the planned outage. The notification will be a door hanger, notice letter, or possibly an email for residential customers who live in an apartment complex or condominium building. The notification will contain detailed information about the planned outage, including the date, time, and anticipated duration of the outage. If an outage is cancelled or rescheduled (due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances), customers can expect to be notified about the change.
At this time, work will be moving forward for City Light’s Accelerated Pole Replacement Program. Crews are replacing aging utility poles throughout the utility’s service area to enhance safety and electrical reliability. For more information about this essential work and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit powerlines.seattle.gov/poles. Additional capital improvement projects and construction activities, including joint use work (e.g., telecommunications companies installing and maintaining equipment on our poles), will resume as work continues to restart across our service area.
To learn more about how you can prepare for an outage, please visit powerlines.seattle.gov/outage.
6:03 AM: Good morning – the 72nd morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you’re headed out – here are the cameras for the 5-way intersection at West Marginal/Delridge/Spokane/Chelan, and the restricted-access low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure
Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues
Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Three West Seattle sightings:
Above, the portrait is by Desmond Hansen, on the northwest corner of Delridge/Roxbury (thanks to Mike for the tip). Below, a window memorial in Seaview (thanks to Emily for the photo):
And Sarah just tweeted this photo from the Admiral Way Bridge over Fairmount Ravine:
9:50 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a land and sea response to look for a possible kayaker in distress somewhere off Lincoln Park. They’re still looking. Updates to come.
9:55 PM: SFD reports via radio that they’re in contact – via yelling – with “multiple individuals” who are on boards or in kayaks, headed for shore, and they’re still trying to sort out what’s happening and whether someone is truly in trouble.
10:06 PM: Everyone is reported to be out of the water and getting evaluated – but they’re working to verify.
10:17 PM: Fire and police say they’ve confirmed, one person was in distress, two others rescued that person, and all three are safely on shore. An SFD unit will catch up with the victim somewhere around the park’s north shore or nearby Lowman Beach.
With all that’s happening, the virus crisis continues too – here are the local toplines in our nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:
*8,235 people have tested positive, 50 more than yesterday
*560 people have died, 3 more than yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 7,896 and 544.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.
MASKS ON THE JOB: From the state’s daily roundup of COVID-19-related news:
Which Mask for Which Task guidance was issued today by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the state’s Labor and Industries. Complete guidance for workers and businesses is found here. Beginning June 8, all employees will be required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction. Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under the Department of Labor and Industries’ safety and health rules and guidance. Employees may choose to wear their own facial coverings at work, provided it meets the minimum requirements.
NEED FOOD? Reminder – boxes of food, free, if you need some, 2-5 pm tomorrow and Friday at Food Lifeline in South Park.
HOW WILL SCHOOL RESUME? Before summer starts, schools/districts have to decide about fall. Here’s what’s under consderation for Seattle Public Schools.
AMAZING ART: During all these weeks of neighborhood walks, seeing sidewalk/window art has been heartening. Monibelle sent these photos of a sighting during one of her walks:
She reports that this was created by a 5th-grade Alki Elementary student named Stella.
GOT INFO? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
By the time Seattle Public Schools‘ unexpectedly hybrid year ends on June 19th, it’ll announce how next school year will look. Today’s announcement says three scenarios are being considered:
Seattle Public Schools this week begins an intensive three-week project designed to create an adaptable plan for the 2020-21 school year and student re-entry this fall.
The project – “Learning Plan – Returning to School Fall 2020” – is comprised of four “engagement teams” which will consider a wide range of factors as they deliberate over seven meetings between June 4-16.
The teams will present their recommendations to the project leadership group, which will announce a decision on June 19, 2020. At that time, the decision will be communicated to staff, students and families.
Three scenarios will be explored by the engagement teams:
• Pre-kindergarten to 5th grade students attend school in-person full-time; students in grades 6-12 on an A/B schedule, receive part in-person learning and part remote learning;
• PK- 12th grade students on an A/B schedule, receive part in-person learning and part remote learning;
• 100% remote learning.Engagement teams will be tasked with determining an adaptable plan that:
• Mitigates and minimizes the spread of coronavirus;
• Keeps students and staff safe;
• Prioritizes access to learning for students furthest from educational justice;
• Provides services through a racial equity lens;
• Enables staff and students to return to learning;
• Supports social-emotional well-being and safe environment interactions;
• Supports families through this transition.The planning process will be guided by the tenets of Seattle Excellence, the district’s strategic plan, and will explore safety requirements, delivery of remote instruction to various student groups, and budget constraints. The process will include feedback gathered in recent staff, family, and leadership surveys.
Engagements teams will prioritize staff and student health and safety, following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and public health agencies, while continuing to focus on high quality teaching and learning.The four representative engagement teams are comprised of school leaders, parents, SEA members, partners, students, and central office staff. Each team will be comprised of approximately 18 members (details are still being finalized).
The project’s swift timeline is purposeful, in order to provide educators with as much time as possible to begin preparing. Staff will receive the final decision for re-entry plans before they depart for the summer.
This year’s last day of in-person SPS classes was March 11th.
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