Support for Ingraham High School

November 14, 2022 June Ivers

"Good evening. I am one of the co-presidents of Friends of Ingraham. We tried to reach out to all of the PTA/PTO in the district but we know we missed many. Please see the below email we sent to the community.

At Friends of Ingraham we have been hearing from the community that people are eager to help and show their support. After the shooting and tragic death of a student inside our school building last Tuesday morning at the beginning of 2nd period, we have been struggling to understand how to best support the children and staff at Ingraham. We are now sharing with you an opportunity to show your support to our Ingraham family.

We would welcome and appreciate some POSTERS to hang up in the hallways at Ingraham, to show your support of the students as they go about their days at school. Our students feel encouraged when they see that they have the support of other school communities. Can you help make this happen?

We welcome messages like "JAMS loves IHS" or "Sealth is with you!" or similar positive and simple messages, in many languages. We welcome as many as you would like to produce.

If you can coordinate the making of posters and the supplies (butcher paper, paper bags, or cardboard from boxes work great), we will coordinate delivery with you and we will have our IHS volunteers hang up the signs.

We'd like to have them up this week, and will be accepting them every day this week.

If you would like to help us out by creating for us some posters with positive, supportive messages, please email friendsofingrahamhs@gmail.com and we can work together to coordinate delivery of the signs to IHS. We can pick up from you or you can bring them to IHS, but please make this plan with us ahead of time with us by emailing us. School staff cannot accept the signs, we have to have a volunteer ready to pick them up from you outside of the school.

Thank you so much - we are really hoping that many schools will want to show their love for our students, so they will have a reminder that they're not alone, that the entire Seattle community is standing with them."

In gratitude,

Friends of Ingraham

Friends of Ingraham High School PTO

1819 N 135th St., Seattle, WA 98133

wwww.friendsofingraham.org

In Solidarity with Ingraham High School

November 14, 2022 June Ivers

We are grieving. We mourn the loss of life of a student at Ingraham High School. We are shaken and devastated, angry and frustrated, and heartbroken.

As we wait for the investigation to continue, right now we know only that we need to hold our children and our staff close, to support each other and those most impacted in getting the supports they need to begin to heal.

We will continue to gather and share resources with you, and we ask that you share resources with us, as well as that you communicate your needs for support.

Phone Numbers

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dial 988

Teenlink: 866-833-6546 (6-10 PM only)

Crisis Connections provides a 24-hour crisis line 866-427-4747 www.crisisconnections.org

Discussing Difficult Situations with Your Children (PTA)

https://www.pta.org/.../Discussing-Difficult-Situations...

Gun Violence Prevention resources (PTA)

https://www.pta.org/.../safety/gun-violence-prevention

Multicultural Youth Mental Health Resources (Seattle Times)

https://www.seattletimes.com/.../seattle-area-youth.../

Talking to children and teens about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

https://www.nasponline.org/.../talking-to-children-about...

Seattle Police Department Personal Safety Tips

https://www.seattle.gov/.../crime-prevention/personal-safety

SPS Coordinated School Health Mental Health Resources

https://www.seattleschools.org/.../mental-health-services/

Advocacy

WSPTA - Gun Violence and Suicide Prevention is one of our Top 5 issues

https://wastatepta.org/focus.../advocacy/focus-on-advocacy/

Alliance for Gun Responsibiity

https://gunresponsibility.org/

Addressing Myths Around Gun Violence and Mental Illness

https://efsgv.org/.../mental-illness-and-gun-violence/

https://namica.org/.../the-truth-about-mental-health-and.../

Volunteers for Food Distribution

September 9, 2022 June Ivers

[ Alt Text : Graphic of a green lunch box with a sandwich, orange bottle and a red apple. Small text on the right City of Seattle, Large Bold Green Text Volunteers Needed. Lunch and Food distribution during teacher strike. Bold green rectangle bar states sign up today. ]

SPS Funding FAQ

September 6, 2022 June Ivers

SPS Funding FAQ

by SCPTSA Officers 2022-2023

What is the “rainy day” fund?

The “rainy day” fund – officially called the Economic Stabilization Account – is a requirement established by both accounting best practice and by School Board Policy (See Board Policy 6022). That policy requires SPS to maintain 3-5% of total actual general expenditures for the most recent school year to “help protect against unforeseen circumstances”.

How much is currently in the “rainy day” fund?

Approximately $39 million, which is about 4% of the total actual general fund expenditures for school year 2021-22 ($973,784,864).

What are ESSER funds (COVID money)?

ESSER stands for “Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief”. ESSER funds are part of a Federal rescue funding program intended to address the effects of the pandemic on public school systems across the United States.

The program was first established in the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 (ESSER I), and supplemental allocations were made in January 2021 (ESSER II, via the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) and December 2021 (ESSER III, via the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act). Together, ESSER I, ESSER II and ESSER III make up what is generally

referred to as “ESSER funding”. You can find more information about ESSER II and III in the WA State

OSPI’s “Short Explainer” on the topic.

In total, Seattle has been allocated $145,154,890 in ESSER funding. As of May 2022, $89,943,677 of this funding had been spent. All remaining unspent ESSER funds must be obligated (committed to specific uses) by September 24, 2024. These funds will not be replaced or replicated after that date.

How can ESSER funds be used? What’s the procedure to change that?

The laws establishing ESSER funding set out allowable uses of those funds. The WA State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has provided guidance to districts on these uses (ESSER Funds: Allowable and Prohibited District Use). Allowable uses include things like:

Coordination of COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts.
Activities to address the needs of students experiencing poverty, students with disabilities, multilingual/English learners, students of color, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
Purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean school facilities and training staff on sanitization protocols.
Providing mental health services and supports.
Addressing learning loss among students.
Planning for and coordinating the delivery of instruction and services during remote learning.

What is a fiscal cliff?

A fiscal cliff occurs when an organization plans spending levels based on funding sources that are not ongoing. ESSER, for example, is a one-time funding increase, as the Federal government has not approved additional ESSER funding other than what has already been allocated to States and school districts. When a time-limited funding source disappears, spending commitments based on the

availability of those funds are no longer supported, a phenomenon described as a “fiscal cliff”.

What is a structural deficit?

Seattle Public Schools consistently funds a higher level of staffing than is reimbursed by the State under the Prototypical School Funding Model used for allocating State funding to school districts. In addition, the district’s ability to levy additional funding locally via property taxes is capped by State law at $3,000 per student. This situation creates a budget shortfall that will not be addressed by any expected revenues, also known as a structural deficit. This means that resources must be found inside the organization, usually from cuts in spending or the use of internal reserves, to cover the gap. The following table provides more information on the discrepancy between State funding and actual staffing:

Joint Statement from Seattle Special Education PTSA & Seattle Council PTSA

September 4, 2022 June Ivers

Joint Statement from Seattle Special Education PTSA & Seattle Council PTSA

September 4, 2022

The Seattle Council Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Seattle Special Education PTSA, jointly, have made the difficult decision to share the recommendations of the Special Education Taskforce with the public during bargaining between Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association. As organizations that exist to advocate for the needs and rights of children, it is our duty and responsibility to speak out.

For the last year, certificated and classified special education professionals, district management and administration, and families have worked together on the Special Education Task Force to provide recommendations for the bargaining team. Recommendations designed to bring Seattle schools closer to an education model that many schools across the country already have in place - inclusive education. Inclusive education is a proven best practice that benefits all students.

We are bringing these recommendations to the public, to show what work has already been accomplished. If Special Education is holding up the bargain, why? This work has already been done. Special education should not be the barrier, because all parties have already agreed, Samantha Fogg, Seattle Council PTSA.

“There are two stories circulating— it’s false to say inclusive education is too difficult and it’s false to say that inclusive education can be managed without adequate staff. As we see in the task force recommendations, we have a map for moving forward.” Cherylynne Crowther, president, Seattle Special Education PTSA.

We renew our call that both parties issue Joint Statements of Fact, to negotiate in good faith, and if trust is so broken that negotiations cannot progress, to ask for help from a neutral party.

You can find the Special Education Taskforce Recommendations now on the Special Education PTSA Website, and on the Seattle Council PTSA website.

Contact : Sam Fogg
Co-President, Seattle Council PTSA
samantha.fogg@scptsa.org

Contact : Cherylynne Crowther
President, Seattle Special Education PTSA
hello@seattlespecialeducationptsa.org

Special Education Task Force Recommendations

Seeking Nominations for SCPTSA Service Awards 2022 - Act Now!

June 2, 2022 SCPTSA Communications

Seattle Council PTSA is seeking nominations for volunteers, advocates and educators for the 2022 Awards. Over the past year, we have seen unprecedented PTA support and coordination for resource sharing, advocacy during the legislative session, and school community support during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nominate someone who deserves appreciation and recognition today!

SCPTSA awards are in six categories: Golden Acorn, Outstand Service, Outstanding Advocate, Outstanding Student Advocate, Outstanding Educator, and Honorary Lifetime Membership. Nominations are due by 11:59pm on Thursday May 19, 2022. You may nominate more than one person for any award. Awards will be presented on June 16, 2022 at our General Membership Meeting.

Golden Acorn

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=i6djWRxKLkmDaJGx84yW2D9mYyeMhExGnPXuEY8TeL5UN1lSR002VTdFM1dLQkM5V1dMM1Y0NkpaVC4u

A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA or council to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her / theirs / his dedication and service to children and youth. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the Washington State PTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

WSPTA Outstanding Service Award
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The WSPTA Outstanding Service Award was added in 1962, building on the success of the Golden Acorn Award program. This award recognizes broad-based service to children. It is awarded to an individual who has given dedicated and long-term volunteer service that positively impacts every child throughout the community while demonstrating the WSPTA core values.

This award may only be given by a council. Local PTA members are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers to the council for this recognition. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

Outstanding Advocate Award
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The Outstanding Advocate Award was established in 2004 to recognize an individual for her / theirs / his advocacy and commitment in helping to create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

Outstanding Student Advocate Award
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In 2011, Washington State PTA created the Outstanding Student Advocate Award to recognize student PTA members who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community. The Outstanding Student Advocate Award may be presented by local PTAs, councils and regions. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

Outstanding Educator Award
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=i6djWRxKLkmDaJGx84yW2D9mYyeMhExGnPXuEY8TeL5UMlc5OVhGRjJLTEIzSjZBQ1I3S05LSU9aVC4u

The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions in their community to enhance the educational outcomes of all children or youth. An educator is not limited to a teacher and may be defined as a teacher, assistant, specialist, support staff, administrator or community member. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

Note: Prior to adding the Outstanding Educator award to your standing rules, consult your school’s staff.

The Honorary Life Membership Award
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The Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the development, growth, and sustainability of a local PTA or council. It is awarded to someone who has shown extraordinary commitment to the PTA’s vision and mission. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.

Note: Honorary Life Membership Award recipients do not receive a free membership in the PTA that gives the award; recipients of this award need to continue to purchase their own PTA membership annually.

Letter sent to SPS Leaders and Board Directors re: engagement and community feedback around bell times.

May 4, 2022 SCPTSA Communications

April 30, 2022

Dear Seattle Public Schools leaders and Board Directors;

We are writing today regarding the proposed changes to the bell times beginning next school year. As you have heard in the meetings conducted through SPS and other channels, the community is quite concerned with the proposal to move back to a 3-tired bell system. These concerns range from needing morning childcare, how to manage start times of up to two hours apart in a single family, the impact to afterschool activities with a late ending time, and more.

You have said that you “hear” the community concerns with this proposal, but we do not see any avenues for addressing these concerns or changing the proposal, nor is there a timeline that would allow for any substantive feedback or adjustments. This makes it hard to believe you genuinely hear the community's concerns, or that the process was meant to receive and intake feedback.

Seattle Council PTSA (SCPTSA) shares these concerns and the frustration at the lack of community engagement and opportunity for feedback from communities across the district. SCPTSA is fortunate to be in a position where we engage and interact deeply in community and with leadership at SPS. This role as a bridge-builder allows us to see both the big picture and the individual needs of families and students. Beyond the very real concerns families have, we are noticing this example is highlighting the on-going need for true family engagement; early, frequent, and consistent communication; and transparency. There is a lack of trust felt by many that must be repaired.

We understand that there are lots of things happening and moving quickly but this is, and will always be, the case. We must find a way to engage families and community regardless, or more to the point, because of all that is going on. The perspective from the people who experience the impacts of decisions directly is invaluable and one that simply cannot be represented without engagement. We must break down the silos within the district and work collaboratively to find creative solutions.

Regarding the bell times, the most pressing needs are:

An extension of the deadline for the final decision to be made. This will allow for engagement with community and changes to be made based on the feedback.

More transparent information regarding other options explored and how/why they were determined to not be a solution.

Clear information about what solutions the district can provide and/or how the district will support community-based organizations in increasing childcare options before school (and how students can get from childcare to school buildings)

More transparent information as to why a 3-tierd bell time is being proposed as the best solution for both the community and the district.

More information about how the community feedback is being incorporated into the decision-making process and final decision.

As always, SCPTSA is here to support community and the District in creating opportunities for engagement and authentic listening. Please let us know how we can further support you in authentically engaging with community.

In community,

Erin Dury

SCPTSA President, and SCPTSA Board

May 2nd Community Conversation with Liza Rankin & School Board Director Responses

May 2, 2022 June Ivers

SCPTSA hosts School Board Director Liza Rankin of District 1. She gives historical context of the bell schedule, discuss the nuances of the three tier times, and hear from community.

School Board Director Lisa Rivera Smith

Link to Director rivera smith