 | | | | WEDNESDAY OCT 9 4:15–8:30 pm |
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| TODAY!
SPS School Board Regular Meeting This meeting will be live streamed on SPSTV and includes progress monitoring of Student Outcomes Focused Governance goals for 3rd grade reading and 7th grade math; adoption of Resolution No. 2024/25-11 regarding 2025–26 school consolidations and a multi-year plan to achieve fiscal stability in support of student outcomes; and the introduction of the 2025 Legislative Agenda, the replacement of the operations levy, and a new capital levy program, among other agenda items. |
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| | | | SAVE THE DATES!Oct 22–23 — During the day, OSPI Special Education Advisory Council Meeting, UW Smart Center (details in the OSPI section of the newsletter below) Oct 22 — In the evening, OSPI Special Education Advisory Council Community Forum, UW Haring Center, EEU location (details in the OSPI section of the newsletter below) Oct 26–27 — SCPTSA Every child means EVERY child Legislative advocacy weekend on Zoom Oct 29 — SCPTSA Leadership Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Meeting on Zoom
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| | | | On Monday, September 30th, at SCPTSA's General Membership Meeting, our members voted to boycott WSPTA's Legislative Assembly that is being held at an anti-LGBTQ venue, Seattle Pacific University. Our members are asking for: a change in venue to online or to a hybrid event at a venue that does not support discrimination, and that supports disability accommodations a refund of any fees they have paid toward Legislative Assembly WSPTA to release the full Diversity Equity and Inclusion audit that WSPTA contracted with AV Consulting for in 2022
Advocacy Opportunity!
This was a painful and difficult decision for our members to make, and many of our members expressed upset at missing out on advocacy opportunities. To that end, SCPTSA is actively working to hold an alternative event online, with interpretation that we are calling "Every child means EVERY child." Please stay tuned for more details, but at this point, we have some really great classes being taught by partner organizations, 1 legislator has already committed to joining us and we are reaching out to more, and we are actively working to create networking and advocacy opportunities at no charge to attendees. We invite everyone who would like to advocate for children in WA to join and participate. All are welcome. This will be on zoom October 26–27. Learn more about the discrimination at Seattle Pacific University, how to join the boycott and participate in SCPTSA's legislative advocacy weekend, and read our response to WSPTA's Oct 3rd email to PTA Leaders… |
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| | | | | Seattle Special Education PTSA Need's Your Vote! Our friends at Seattle Special Education PTSA are a finalist in BECU’s People Helping People Awards! They have the opportunity to receive up to $40,000 from BECU.
Please take a moment to vote for them as your choice to win the “People’s Choice Award.” Please vote by 5 pm on October 11. (One vote per email address, must be over 18 to participate.) The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced in December. The generous grant from BECU would enable SSEPTSA to update our Guide to Special Education in Seattle Public Schools. The funds would also be used to pay for the translation and interpretation services that make it possible for as many Seattle residents as possible to access these resources. |
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| | | UPCOMING EVENT Applications for the WSPTA Scholarship, Essay Contest, Reflections Theme Search, and Leadership Service Awards are now open. You can find them here. |
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| | |  | TikTok Shop is donating $100,000 to National PTA, including $10,000 checks to both Garfield and Franklin High Schools
"Educators have an incredible impact on students and their local communities, but can only do so if they have the resources they need. That's why TikTok Shop is donating $100,000 to PTA, including a donation to three high schools in the Seattle region, to support teachers and faculty as they head back to school," said Mary Hubbard, Head of Americas Governance and Experience for TikTok Shop. "In addition to funding for classroom supplies, we're excited to recognize this community with a selection of popular and trusted items from TikTok Shop, including Brumate beverage tumblers, Noahtec charging pads and JLab wireless ear pods." “Across the country there are great disparities in the quality of and access to educational opportunities. Educators often spend their own money to ensure their students have access to supplies and resources and receive the best education possible,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “National PTA is grateful to TikTok Shop for helping us give back to educators and provide supplies to schools as the new school year kicks off.” |
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| |  | Gun Violence Prevention—Blueprint for Working with State Legislators
National PTA has long advocated for the safety of all children and youth—from promoting safe and secure firearm storage at home and encouraging evidence-based gun violence prevention research to strengthening background checks and building supportive learning environments. We urge everyone to join us in doing this work in your own community and to help you get started, we’ve created the Blueprint for Parent Leaders to Take Action on Gun Violence Prevention. It provides a framework to begin your advocacy journey on this critical topic and takes you through the process step by step. |
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| | | SPS Well-Resourced Schools Update—October 1 From Superintendent Jones: Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts about our plan to develop a system of well-resourced schools. I heard you loud and clear, and I understand the many valid concerns you have about the proposal in its current form... After taking some time to reflect on your feedback, I have developed a revised proposal that will support addressing the budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year while taking steps to right-size our school system. Under this revision, I intend to propose consolidating five schools for the 2025-26 school year. What we learn from this initial set of schools will guide our future action.
Learn more: |
| | | | 2024-25 LGBTQ+ Families Dinner Thursday, Nov 14, 5–7 pm
Meany Middle School The Seattle Public Schools 25th Annual LGBTQ+ Families Dinner is Thursday, November 14, from 5 to 7 pm at Meany Middle School. This event is open to LGBTQ+ parents/guardians and their kids who attend Seattle Public Schools, as well as LGBTQ+/gender-expansive kids in SPS and their parents/guardians. Expect food, connection, activities for kids, and opportunities to learn about community resources for families! |
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| | OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION |
| OSPI Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) TWO-DAY MEETING
October 22–23, 8:30 am–4:30 pm In-person: SMART Center, 6200 NE 74th Street, Suite 110, Seattle, Washington. Remote: Zoom link (no registration required)
The Washington State Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) will conduct a hybrid meeting on October 22 & 23, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. The meeting is open to members of the public interested in Washington special education services. The agenda will be posted the week prior to the meeting.
Public Comment will begin at 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 22. Public Comment is scheduled for 30 minutes. Each public comment will be restricted to three minutes and only allowed during this designated timeframe. If you want to email your comment to be read at the meeting, please send it to the SEAC email address no later than the close of business on October 16. |
| | OSPI Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)COMMUNITY FORUM
October 22, 5:30–7 pm In-Person: The Haring Center, 1981 NE Columbia Rd, Seattle, WA 98195 Remote: Zoom link to attend remotely. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
The SEAC is an advisory council that provides recommendations to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the legislature on policies and issues related to students with disabilities. The SEAC will be in the greater Seattle area and we want to hear from students and families! Join us to discuss High School and Beyond Plans and goals for transitioning to adulthood for students with disabilities. |
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| | |  | RESOURCES City of Seattle + Joon. Seattle youth who are 13-24 and live or attend school in Seattle now have access to FREE therapy. Sign up by November 15th—the cost is fully covered by the city and your therapy remains 100% confidential. Joon therapists specialize in youth mental health, offering compassionate, affirming care that helps teens and young adults work through their challenges in a safe, supportive environment. Their innovative approach to therapy is not just evidence-based, but also deeply personalized. Joon is committed to providing inclusive mental health care that affirms the dignity, worth, and value of all individuals. They are dedicated to caring for all young people, including underrepresented, underserved, and historically marginalized populations, and they support all therapists in providing culturally responsive care. Language translation services are offered as needed. Learn more
Seattle Public Schools Safe and Welcoming Schools Resources Seattle Public Schools Culturally Relevant Mental Health Services
Department of Health in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Safety Study Hall library of information and resources on several health and safety issues for schools, students, and families/caregivers. Topics include: US Department of Health & Human Services — Order 4 FREE at-home COVID-19 Tests
Rainier Beach Action Coalition — Farm Stand, Sat 10 am–12 pm through Oct 12, Access FREE, fresh local produce grown by Black and Brown farmers.
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| | | | EVENTSOct 14 — 2024 Citywide Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating the rich history, enduring legacy, and invaluable contributions of Native people, who have been an integral part of this region, and beyond, since time immemorial. Oct 20 — United Indians of All Tribes, Overdose Prevention & Naloxone Training community event, at The Seattle Public Library Beacon Hill Branch. Oct 20 — Seattle Arts and Lectures, A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates: In-person & Online Oct 22 & 29 — Integrated Schools Book Club Discussions: Unearthing Joy by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad Oct 24 & 26 — Integrated Schools Book Club conversations CENTERING EDUCATORS (new) Oct 27 — Local Politics for Youth with Rep. Darya Farivar (46th LD), Rep. Candidate Shaun Scott (43rd LD), and Seattle City Council Position 8 Candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck, for a community conversation in the 46th Legislative District introducing politics to young people! Oct 29 — The Arc King County, Supporting a Person with an Intellectual Disability During Grief and Loss
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| | KING COUNTY 2025 BUDGET: OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
In its review of the county's budget, the King County Council values the input of county residents. Traditionally, public hearings have been held in different regions of the county to enable the public to attend, learn about the county budget and the challenges being faced at the time, and provide feedback. This year, three public meetings will be held, in Bellevue, Kent, and South Seattle. |
| Oct 10 | Bellevue 6–8 pm, in person or virtual City of Bellevue Council Chambers Room 1E-126
Oct 24 | Kent
6–8 pm | In person only Kent Senior Activity Center Social Hall
Oct 30 | South Seattle
6–8 pm | In person only New Holly Gathering Hall
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| Members of the public may also provide input on the county budget by emailing: budget.council@kingcounty.gov
At the top of your message: please write (1) your name and (2) your complete street address. This information is recommended but not required.
Complete information, including six upcoming budget panel meetings that will focus on different aspects of the budget can be found online here. |
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| | BLOGS Front Porch, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods |
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Asian American Racialization and the Politics of U.S. Education Dr. Wayne Au, Professor in the School of Educational Studies at the University of Washington Bothell, is a long-time educational activist and scholar, his work critically examines issues of power and justice in educational policy and practice. His new book argues that understanding Asian American racialization in the U.S. is essential to fighting white supremacy in schools and communities. Utilizing frameworks from Asian American Studies and Cultural Studies, this book will be important reading for those interested in doing anti-racist, liberatory, and abolitionist educational work. In particular, it will be relevant for those working or researching in the fields of Asian American Education, Multicultural Education, Social Justice Education, and Critical Education. |
| | PODCASTS
Black History Year The Erasure of Black Disabled Voices with Anita Cameron White supremacist erasure and whitewashing of Black disabled people’s voices and stories has happened for centuries now—and for centuries, too, ableists have abused our disabled ancestors. This violent erasure bleeds into our present—including in our own community. To give us more insight, we'll be talking to Anita Cameron. As a Black, disabled person, Anita has dedicated almost 40 years to community organizing and making sure that folks with disabilities have equitable rights in society.
READ Podcast Scaling Literacy Change for All Children with Kareem Weaver Kareem Weaver, a leading advocate for literacy equity and social justice, joins a special conversation of LEAD on READ to discuss critical issues and questions surrounding literacy, leadership, and education. Kareem's commitment to literacy for all is unwavering. In this episode he shares valuable experiences and insights toward scaling literacy change and building more equitable schools and communities across the country. |
| | HOW CAN SCPTSA SUPPORT YOU? |
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