September 2022

Seattle Public Schools share family resources and FAQ for SPS and SEA collective bargaining 

Seattle Public Schools published a list of schools offering free food during the time the schools are closed due to the strike. They also shared a Frequently Asked Questions regarding the strike.

Childcare 

Many families are looking for temporary childcare while schools are closed. If you are currently enrolled in before/after school childcare with an SPS childcare partner, please look for messaging directly from your childcare provider about their capacity to serve students for full or part day. To see the complete list of childcares and contact info, visit our childcare page.  

If you are not currently enrolled in childcare, please visit the Child Care Resources website or call 1-800-446-1114; they maintain lists of all licensed childcare providers in Seattle and can help you identify options. 

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Here's the current offer from Seattle Public Schools and the counter proposal from Seattle Education Association

Current SPS Contract Proposals and Status 

SPS and SEA continue to bargain on a contract to replace the educator contract, which expired on Aug. 31, 2022. Here is a list of our current contract priories and a summary of where the negotiations stand.  

Competitive Pay

Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 7, 2022.

We know that competitive pay and high standards of excellence provide teachers with the resources and support they need to create positive learning environments and are offering a substantial package.

Expanding Opportunities and Support for Special Education

Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 9, 2022.

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Score 1 for art; Defaced mural of Chris Cornell is quickly restored

The mural of one time West Seattle resident and lead singer of Soundgarden, Chris Cornell  that graced the southern wall of Easy Street Records was defaced by unknown persons on Sunday Sept. 4. 

Cornell mural defaced
The Chris Cornell mural was defaced by an unknown person. Photo by Paul Bratescu

 

The West Seattle community took it personally and word went out to the original artist Son Duong. He lives in Monroe and has been doing murals for six years. When he heard it was damaged he said to himself, "I gotta re-.do it." and his daughter urged him too, "Don't worry about the money you have to re-do it."

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Seattle Public Schools shares Memorandum of Understanding with Teachers union; Delay for the start of school is possible

The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) issued a letter to school staff and families regarding the potential for the delay of the opening of school. The Seattle Education Association (SEA) rejected SPS most recent offer and negotiations were scheduled to continue Sunday through Tuesday. The district is asking SEA to consider an agreement which would allow school to start on time while negotations continue.

Dear SPS families and staff,

Today, Seattle Public Schools asked the Seattle Education Association (SEA), to consider an agreement called a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU would have guaranteed an on-time start to school, while allowing negotiations to continue.

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Celebrate the reopening of the WS Bridge by being part of a video

The coaltion that has been developing plans to help celebrate the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge has a glass float hunt underway, t-shirts for sale, a so far unspecified set of ideas for the West Seattle Junction (more to be announced on September 13), has now issued a casting call for people to be part of a a short video.

Those who wish to be involved won't be paid or get a credit but the organizers are hoping your love of the community will motivate you to show up at four locations midday on Wednesday, Sept. 14 and show your enthusiasm.

The video will be posted to media websites and across social media. 

To take part you must register in advance and then be at one or more of the locations at the appointed times.

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SDOT - High bridge repair: Removed all work platforms; closing the bridge deck access points

Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

 

SDOT Bridge progress graphic
A graphic of the West Seattle Bridge showing which sections are complete and which are under construction. The completed sections include carbon-fiber wrapping and epoxy injections, in addition to tightening the post-tensioning steel cables throughout the bridge. Under construction are maintenance items like building inspection platforms and roadway resurfacing.

 

 

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Woodland Park Zoo offering "Zoo Doo" starting Sept. 17

Home gardeners, from casual to serious, have a chance to sink their hands into Woodland Park Zoo’s coveted Zoo Doo. The nutrient-filled Zoo Doo can be purchased Saturday, September 17 at Woodland Park Zoo.
 
Zoo Doo will also be available for pickup Saturday, October 15.
 
Zoo Doo is a great way to garden clean and healthy for the benefit of pollinators and other local wildlife and is a sustainable green choice. The compost is so extraordinary that the zoo’s horticulture experts also use it throughout the zoo in its award-winning animal habitats and other landscaped areas.
 
Woodland Park Zoo has been turning out Zoo Doo for nearly 40 years.

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Lyanda Lynn Haupt and Donna Sandstrom reading and book signing

The 2022 Washington State Book Awards finalists were recently announced (see the announcement here), and two West Seattle-based authors are among them! "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit" by Lyanda Lynn Haupt (Little, Brown) is a finalist in the Creative Nonfiction category, and "Orca Rescue! The true story of an orphaned orca named Springer" by Donna Sandstrom (Kids Can Press) is a finalist for Books for Young Readers.

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West Seattle Wildcats look to "keep going northbound"
First game is at 7pm Friday vs Renton at the SWAC

West Seattle Wildcats head coach Jeff Scott has a philosophy about coaching that's more like that of an educator. "When I started with the program we had 17 players. We went into camp this year with 86 players and so we just keep wanting to build and build and build step by step."

Last year they had 6-3 record.

"I just think we just need to keep taking steps going northbound," Scott said.

Building on a winning season in a high school program means relying on returning players. He has 13 coming back including three quarterbacks, starter Axel Johnson a 5'11" 155 lb Senior, Bo Gionet a 6' 4" 175lb Junior, and Jeremy Liu.

He's also happy with 5' 11" 170 lb Elijah Brady, "He has offers from about 15 D1 schools," who plays Cornerback and Mason Kallinger a 6' 2", 215 lb linebacker who Scott said has two scholarship offers already waiting.

"We've got a couple of sleepers too," he said.

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