Science+News+Feb+2011

Science is in the news – and not in a good way. This is a message sent by a middle school science teacher this week: ** // “Help! The new planned changes district wide to science include: 1. No longer having a science director at the district level (combining science and Math); 2. No longer have professional development including kit trainings etc (K-8); // ** ** __3. Science will no longer be on the strategic plan__ ** ** //. I'm really concerned. Do you have ideas of what the next steps can be?” // ** At a meeting last month, a parent said to me, “ Teach the science and the rest – reading, writing and math – will come along nicely.” What he meant by that is that by putting our focus on science, students learn to read for different purposes, experience many different types of writing ** // and // ** math PLUS they learn the science! It’s the trifecta subject and it would seem to me to be the most cost efficient subject of them all. Apparently SPS disagrees. If you have thoughts on this topic, here’s how to air them: __Neighborhood Chat with Steve Sundquist__, our representative on the School Board Wednesday, Feb. 9 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Delridge Library //5423 Delridge Way SW// ** or   ** **Saturday, Feb. 12 ** 11:00 am -12:30 pm High Point Library //3411 SW Raymond St //  //__School Board Meeting __//// Tomorrow 2/2 at 6 pm // Regular legislative sessions of the Board of Directors are held the first and third Wednesdays of each month unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held in the first floor Auditorium of the John Stanford Center located at 2445 - 3rd Avenue South (N.W. corner). Want more information or a speaking slot at the meeting? Contact Theresa Hale  Board Office Administrator (206) 252-0040 Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson superintendent@seattleschools.org  (206) 252-0167  (206) 252-0050 || [|Academics] , <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Arts] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, Certification, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Huchoosedah Indian Education <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Literacy] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Mathematics] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, Parapro & SAEOPs, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Physical Education] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Professional Development] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Science] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">, School Coaching, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">[|Social Studies] <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">  || In case you feel they need a reminder, from the district website:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Instructional Services <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Cathy Thompson <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">

<span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Academic Vision
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">

<span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">We are focused on improving academic achievement for all students and committed to ensuring that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and life. We strive to provide excellent teachers in every classroom, set high expectations for every student, meet the needs of our diverse learners, and prepare our students to excel. <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Please feel free to pass this information on to other concerned parents. No matter how loudly our teachers yell, it is merely a whisper when compared to the voice of an outraged parent! Especially when we travel as a group. (no I did NOT say angry mob). <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for all ** you ** do for // all // our children! <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Sincerely, Cori Roed, Legislative Chair <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">cori@windermere.com <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">.