Showing posts with label shoreline schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoreline schools. Show all posts

How Shoreline Schools are responding to the COVID-19 Omicron surge

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Susana Reyes, Superintendent Shoreline Schools
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Dr. Susana Reyes, Superintendent of the Shoreline School District, sent this message to school families, updating them on Shoreline's current pandemic response.

COVID-19 Update from Superintendent Reyes

It has been great to see students and staff back from winter break with learning in full swing. At the same time, we know that the evolving situation with COVID and the latest Omicron variant has added stress and anxiety for our families and staff. 

In this communication, we will provide updates and information about how we are responding to needs presented by our current situation.

COVID information

The Omicron variant is highly contagious and just like other school districts in the state and nation, we have been experiencing an increase in the number of cases in our schools. The most important thing we all can do to keep this from spreading further is to stay home if experiencing any symptoms.

Additional ways we can all help support the health and safety of students and staff include:
  • Get vaccinated, including a booster shot if eligible
  • Wear masks properly
  • Maintain a physical distance from others
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Continue to wash your hands regularly

It will take all of us working together to keep our schools and community healthy.

North City Testing Site

Our testing site at the North City Elementary campus, 816 NE 190th St. is open on school days from 11:00am to 3:00pm for students and staff. Preregistration and scheduling is required and can be completed here. Testing at this site is free and only available to students and staff at this time. You can learn more here.

How is the District responding to staffing impacts as a result of increasing COVID-related absences?

Currently, the Department of Health (DOH), Public Health Seattle-King County (PHSKC), and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) support and are strongly encouraging the continuation of in-person learning for the well-being of students and their families.

The decision to temporarily close a school or classroom will be based on either the direction of PHSKC and the DOH in response to health and safety concerns or the District’s ability to have enough staff to be able to operate safely. 

We will work through each situation individually (classroom or school) and communicate with families as quickly as possible about any need for temporary closure or temporary shift to remote learning. We are not anticipating a district-wide closure at this time.

During the last two weeks, we have experienced high absence rates among staff and students. We also continue to see a shortage of substitute teachers and substitute support staff. 

We anticipate that absences will remain high over the next couple of weeks, but our priority is to keep schools open as long as we can provide staff to operate safely. We are extremely grateful to our amazing staff in our schools and district office who are pulling together to keep our schools open. 

We have a process for meeting the challenges of the next few weeks so we can keep our schools open for in-person learning. This includes deploying district office staff to schools as needed.

As we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, we will track positive cases and follow the guidance and direction of Public Health for responding, which may include temporarily closing classrooms or schools if necessary. 

As a district, we have done a great job with maintaining our schools’ health and safety, and we know our staff, students, and families have played a huge role in helping us to remain open by being mindful and following safety protocols. 

In addition to the established layers of protection in our school environments, such as masking and physical distancing, many of our students ages five and older are now fully vaccinated. All of these layers of protection, together, provide for a safe environment for students and staff. Working together, we will continue to keep our students and staff safe in our schools.

Visitors and Volunteers

Over the past several weeks, we have received questions about our plan for reintroducing volunteers and visitors in schools. Please know that we absolutely appreciate and value the incredible support this provides for our staff and students. Not only does it help ease the load for our staff, it also builds community and trust. This is what makes our community special, and we look forward to when we can return to more normal times. 

For now, because of the rise in cases and to minimize any additional increase, we are postponing allowing visitors and volunteers in our schools and campuses. We will reassess at the beginning of February when we hope to have worked through the current challenge. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We truly appreciate it!

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the health and well-being of our students and staff. I am honored to serve you, our children and youth, and our community. Together, we will get through this.

Stay safe and be well,
Dr. Susana Reyes
Superintendent



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Shoreline Schools presents the Black Voices series

Thursday, January 13, 2022


The Shoreline School District presents a series of events which seek to center Black voices, as well as celebrate and affirm our Black students and their families. We recognize that when the lights go off in our buildings, we still live, work and socialize together throughout our community. 

We learn best when we learn alongside one another, and recognize the wealth of knowledge those within our communities offer. As a community, we affirm our commitment to learn from and look out for our neighbors, including those whose voices have been underrepresented in our current systems.  

Learn more and find details about each of the events on our Black Voices webpage.



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Brief Lockout at Shorecrest, Kellogg, and Briarcrest on Tuesday

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Shorecrest is center, South Woods directly south,
Kellogg directly north, and Briarcrest three blocks east
Google map photo taken before Shorecrest and Kellogg
construction was completed.
After a report that a person with a weapon was seen in South Woods, the park directly south of Shoreline High School on 25th NE in Shoreline, the closest schools - Shorecrest High School, Kellogg Middle School, and Briarcrest Elementary were put on Lockout.

A LOCKOUT is when all exterior doors are secured and no one goes in or out, but normal operations and learning continue within the school.

Shoreline Police responded quickly and searched the area. They did not find a suspect and advised that it was safe for the schools to resume normal operations.

The Lockout was lifted after 25 minutes.



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School levy presentations Tuesday are virtual only

Tuesday, January 4, 2022


A community presentations regarding the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations and Technology Improvements and Support Replacement Levies on the February 8 ballot will be held virtually only on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 10am and 7pm.

In-person presentations have been canceled due to the weather and road conditions.

The presentations will be streamed via Zoom.

Joining Presentations via Zoom:

Tuesday January 4 at 10:00am

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84806536289?pwd=SG9ka3BDb2pnU2JHL3NmVTc4S2ovZz09

Passcode: 952232
Webinar ID: 848 0653 6289
Dial in: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799

Tuesday January 4 at 7:00pm

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247550518?pwd=V3RBM1RyYUpyMGxiVndnZm5UalBTZz09

Passcode: 672399
Webinar ID: 892 4755 0518
Dial in: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799

Information about the levy and links to future presentations HERE



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Shoreline Schools on 2 hour delay Tuesday

Shoreline Schools has announced a two hour delay for Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Due to the continued impacts of recent snow and ice, all Shoreline Schools will be on a TWO-HOUR DELAY Tuesday, January 4. 

While arterial streets are passable, there are many streets and sidewalks throughout the district that are not. 

Road conditions will be reassessed early tomorrow morning. If a closure is required, an additional announcement will be made by 6:00am.

So it isn't about what you can see out the window or your trip to the grocery store. It's about whether a school bus full of children can safely travel the icy hills of Lake Forest Park and Richmond Beach as well as the other unplowed narrow, residential streets in Shoreline.

The temperatures stayed above freezing Monday and there was a fair amount of melting. The weather has been so crazy that there's no guarantee about 5am when the decisions are made.

--DKH



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Shoreline Schools on two hour delay - but check Monday morning

Monday, January 3, 2022

Shoreline Schools announced a two hour delay for classes Monday morning January 3, 2022, because of the weather.

However, that decision was made in the evening before it started snowing again. Check the school notices in the morning if you have schoolchildren / teens.

At this writing the temperature is hovering around 32 degrees (see weather report).



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Two more opportunities to hear information about the upcoming school replacement levies on the Feb 8 ballot

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

A series of community presentations regarding the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations and Technology Improvements and Support Replacement Levies on the February 8 ballot will continue on  January 4 and January 13. 

There will be a 10am and 7pm session on each of those days in the Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE.

Spanish interpretation will be available at each presentation. If you would like interpretation in another language, contact our Public Information Office at public.info@shorelineschools.org or 206-393-4412.

The presentations will also be streamed via Zoom. You can find the links for the remaining sessions here.

You can also find detailed information on the replacement levies and submit questions at www.shorelineschools.org/levy



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Shoreline Schools closed Thursday in observance of Veterans Day

Thursday, November 11, 2021


From Shoreline Schools:

There is no school tomorrow, Thursday, November 11, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. 

We hope you will join us in honoring and thanking all of our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.


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Shoreline Schools recognize and honor Native American Heritage Month

Tuesday, November 9, 2021


Join Shoreline Public Schools in recognizing and honoring Native American Heritage Month throughout the month of November!

Native American Heritage Month offers us the opportunity to celebrate Native/Indigenous people, history, culture, traditions and contributions to society. It is also a time to raise awareness about the challenges and injustices Native/Indigenous people have faced, both historically and in the present.

November was first designated as Native American Heritage Month in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush signed a joint resolution approved by Congress. This followed nearly 100 years of advocacy by Native/Indigenous people for a period of national recognition. You can learn more about Native American Heritage Month at the following resources:




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Mattress sales November 21 benefit Shoreline high school bands - Shorecrest AND Shorewood

Monday, November 8, 2021

The 6th Annual Shorecrest Band Mattress Fundraiser is Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 10am to 5pm at the Spartan Recreation Center 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

And this year, Shorewood Band is joining them for their 3rd Annual Mattress Fundraiser!

At a time when raising money has been difficult, the bands at Shorewood and Shorecrest are joining forces to have a fundraising event and the community can help!

The event is a Mattress Fundraiser - you can buy a wide variety of brand new mattresses, sheets and pillows. 

Do you need to upgrade your mattress? Or do you need to replace your guest room mattress? 

Delivery and haul away services available. Competitive pricing and you help the band programs in the Shoreline School District!

Custom Fundraising Solutions of Seattle (www.CFSBeds.com) is bringing their mobile mattress showroom here to help the Shorecrest Band and Shorewood Band raise thousands of dollars for their programs! 

Anything you can get from a mattress store you can get here on Sunday, November 21st!
  • 30 top quality name brand mattresses will be on display for people to try out just like at any other mattress store! 
  • All styles, all sizes, and pricing is 30 – 40% less than standard store pricing! 
  • All the services you’d get from a standard store are available too: each mattress comes with a full warranty, home delivery and haul-away are available options, and there’s financing for all credit types! 
The best way to stay healthy is to get a good night’s sleep and you’ll sleep well knowing you made a difference for the Shorecrest and Shorewood Bands!

When people make their purchase they should say which band they are supporting so that the correct school gets the fundraising credit.

You don't have to be from Shoreline or Lake Forest Park to take advantage of this event, nor do you need to have kids in school. Everyone is welcome!

Available products:
  • Name brand mattresses: Simmons, Beautyrest, Southerland, Intellibed and more
  • Adjustable bed frames – one of these will change your life
  • Luxury Z Pillows
  • Mattress Protectors
  • Sheets
  • Frames
Again that’s Sunday, November 21st, from 10am to 5pm here at the Spartan Recreation Center! Note that masks are required to enter the Spartan Rec Center.



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3,000 doses of Pfizer child vaccines scheduled for Shoreline Schools students

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Photo courtesy UW Med
By Diane Hettrick

Shipments of Pfizer vaccines for children 5-11 have been sent to all states.

The initial supply is not sufficient for the demand but more is expected.

A generous share of Washington's allotment came to Shoreline through University of Washington Medicine. 

Presumably we were given a large amount because of the longstanding relationship among UW Med, Shoreline Fire, the School District, and Shoreline Community College to administer vaccines.

Everything here was already in place so vaccinations began immediately.

UW Med and Shoreline Fire have been conducting pop up clinics at Shoreline Community College for age 12 to adult. These clinics will continue until mid-December.

Shoreline Schools set up a schedule for Saturday and Sunday so that every elementary school in the district has a 1.5 hour window for vaccinations. Scheduling was done online.

All the appointments have been booked for the weekend. No walk-ins can be accommodated.

UW Med will be offering future appointments from their waitlist. To get on the waitlist for an appointment, call 844-520-9700. 

When an appointment is available, the UW will call you or text you. You can schedule on the phone or online (definitely recommended).

There are many people already on the waitlist so waiting is not advisable.



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Counselors available for Einstein students following the death of a classmate



Einstein Middle School
photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
On Friday, following the news of the murder of 13 years old Einstein 8th grader A.J. Brown, Einstein Middle School had counselors, staff and other support staff were available for students, staff and families. 

This support is available on an ongoing basis. 

Principal Nyla Fritz shared the news at the school and made space for discussions about how students were feeling. 

To parents, she said "If you believe your child needs additional support, please let us know.

"You may want to talk with your child about this tragic loss as well. The death of a friend and classmate may cause a variety of reactions from your child. Be watchful for any of the signs listed below or if you see other sudden or dramatic changes in your student’s attitude or behavior.
  • Persistent unhappiness, negativity, irritability, anger and rage
  • Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
  • Increased social isolation; poor communication
  • Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
  • Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches
  • Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
  • A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
  • Talk of or efforts to run away from home
"Please do not hesitate to contact your child's counselor if you have any questions or concerns about your child's academic, social, emotional and/or mental wellbeing. We are here as a resource and support.

"Our hearts go out to A.J.’s mom and his entire family and everyone who is impacted by his death."

Friends of the family have set up a Go Fund Me page for A.J.'s mother, to help with expenses. Donations can be made here.

Federal Way police say that they are unaware of any connection A.J. had to Federal Way. They are in contact with the family and actively working the case. Anyone with any information is asked to call Federal Way Police at 253-835-2121.



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Seattle Times: Dori Monson wanted to coach Shorewood High girls basketball. His tweets did him in

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Dori Monson at Shorecrest 2017
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
The Seattle Times has a story about local radio personality and sports broadcaster Dori Monson and his contention that he was unfairly denied a position as basketball coach at Shorewood High School.
 
"Now, Monson says he thought he was going to be coaching the varsity girls basketball team this season at Shorewood High School in Shoreline. He’s spent 26 years in coaching, he says, a passion.

"But it all turned from basketball to Dori’s Tweets, Part 2 — and Monson is out. “Am I the ultimate cancel culture victim? Yes, I am,” he says."

The school district attorney responded to The Times' inquiry:

"Emma Gillespie, attorney for the Shoreline School District, said in an email that before sending Monson’s coaching job application to the School Board for approval, “District administration learned of additional information that is inconsistent with the District’s policies and support of all staff, students, and coaches, regardless of race, creed, sex, or gender.” "

Read the story here 



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Submit your ideas for Shorewood's next Mascot by November 5

Sunday, October 24, 2021


Shorewood High School is now soliciting ideas for its new mascot. 

You can submit your mascot idea by completing the form here

In accordance with school district policy, mascots shall be free from bias, cultural appropriation and derogatory connotations associated with race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. 

An objective for this process shall be to assure respect for cultural differences, values, and attitudes to treat individuals with respect, dignity and fairness. 

The deadline to submit mascot ideas is 5:00pm on Friday, November 5, 2021.


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School district will provide free and voluntary in-district COVID-19 testing


In collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health, next week the Shoreline School District will begin participating in a program called Learn to Return to provide voluntary and free in-district COVID-19 testing.

This testing opportunity will be incorporated into existing district safety protocols as a convenient option to further help contain the virus, protect our communities, and keep students and staff safe and healthy.

Here is how the voluntary testing program will work:

Test Site Access: 
  • Teachers, staff, students, and members of their household who require a COVID-19 test may access a testing site that serves just our school district. 
  •  We will offer PCR laboratory COVID-19 tests at no cost, with results generally available the morning after the test sample is collected.
  • Location: North City Elementary School 816 NE 190th St
  • Availability: Drive up or pre-register through your school
  • Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm
  • Days of operation: open school days only (not weekends or holidays)
  • Start date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Testing Procedures:
  • Informed consent: Individuals to be tested (or their parent/guardian, as appropriate) must complete an informed consent form, available online Student Consent Form - Adult Consent Form, at the testing site or at any district school.
  • Nasal swab tests: We’re partnering with a company called AtlasGenomics to provide test kits, analyze samples, and provide PCR laboratory test results. Samples are collected by the individual (or their parent/guardian) using a painless nasal swab, under the observation of a trained test administrator.
Test results: 
  • Positive test results will be reported to parents/guardians, students 18 and over, or staff, as well as District test administrators. The District will continue to follow the Department of Health flowchart for quarantine and isolation protocols for those with positive test results. School nurses will assist with quarantine/isolation guidance for students, and staff should follow the DOH flowchart found on the district’s website.
Contact tracing: 
  • As usual, every positive case will be reported to Public Health – Seattle and King County for case investigation and contact tracing, in order to reduce spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep our schools as safe as possible for students and staff.
This testing protocol fits into a larger strategy to contain and control the virus, and all protocols are guided by the Department of Health and CDC. See the district COVID-19 Safety Guide.

The goal is to put the best possible strategies in place so that teachers, staff, students and families feel safe, protected, and comfortable focusing on teaching and learning — and so students can get the great education they deserve.



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Seeking Shorewood students, staff, parents/guardians and alumni for Mascot Committee

Friday, October 15, 2021


The principal of Shorewood High School is forming a committee to begin the process of selecting a new mascot for the school. 

The committee will be comprised of members of the Shorewood school community, including one to three parents/guardians of current students; one to three alumni of the school; one to three staff members of the school; and a minimum of three and up to ten students of the school. 

If you are interested in participating in this committee, please complete this brief form by 5:00pm on Monday, October 25.
 
We expect that nominations for mascot ideas will begin to be accepted next week. A message will be shared when the nomination process begins with information on how to submit nominations for mascot ideas. 


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Shoreline School District and Shoreline Education Association reach contract agreement

Monday, October 11, 2021

Shoreline Center from Google

The Shoreline School District has reached an agreement on a three-year contract with the Shoreline Education Association (SEA), which represents teachers and non-supervisory certificated staff. The contract was ratified by SEA members on October 6, 2021 and is pending approval by the Shoreline School Board at their October 19 meeting.

It would cover the 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. 

Highlights of the agreement include:
  • Salary increases of 1% plus cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the first year, 0% plus COLA in year 2, and 2% plus COLA in year 3
  • Deans at each school
  • Commitments to anti-racism and equity
  • Mentor program for staff of color
  • Support for implementation of culturally responsive teaching and Ethnic Studies curriculum
  • Incorporating the Shoreline Race and Equity Impact Decision-Making Tool into site-based decision-making
  • Designating Juneteenth as a non-student day in years it falls on a school day 
“I am incredibly grateful to our district and SEA bargaining teams for their work and collaboration over many months and hundreds of hours in coming to agreement on a contract that centers and supports the needs of our staff, students and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes. 
“Their intentional and thoughtful focus on incorporating our district-wide work in the areas of anti-racism and equity will continue to propel this work forward in meaningful and authentic ways.”


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Shoreline School Board approves resolution to retire Shorewood's mascot - no more T-Birds

Friday, October 8, 2021

Shorewood High School will get a new mascot
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

At their October 5, 2021 meeting, the Shoreline School Board unanimously approved a resolution to retire the Thunderbird as the Shorewood High School mascot by the end of this calendar year.

The resolution’s approval is in accordance with Washington State House Bill 1356, which prohibits the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images as public school mascots, logos, or team names by January 1, 2022. 

The Thunderbird is a powerful mythological creature that is a part of the history and culture of many Native American tribes and indigenous people. It was adopted as the Shorewood mascot in 1975.

You can view a recording of the October 5 board meeting here. The mascot resolution agenda item begins at the 1:40:30 mark.

Next week, the District will begin the process to select Shorewood’s next mascot. They will be taking input from students, staff, families, alumni and community members.



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Shortage of school bus drivers results in crowded school buses

Monday, September 20, 2021

By Diane Hettrick

A national shortage of school bus drivers is also a local problem. Parents of students in Shoreline Schools have vented their frustrations on social media as on some routes buses arrive late.

After the enormous precautions taken to protect children from COVID-19 in the schools, some buses were full with children sitting two to a seat.

The school district sent an apology to families:

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to address some of the transportation challenges we have faced as the school year has gotten underway. While we have been able to avoid long delays, many routes are running full buses due to a lack of drivers. We are actively recruiting, hiring and training drivers to add additional routes.

Several causes have been suggested for the shortage of drivers. One is that older drivers are choosing to retire, rather than risking virus exposure. The other is that in order to observe COVID protocols and space the students out on the buses, the number of buses needs to be increased.

Districts in other states have resorted to paying parents to transport children to and from school.

Shoreline Schools is advertising for bus drivers and published the following: 
If you or anyone you know might be interested in learning more about becoming a school bus driver, we encourage you to apply at www.shorelineschools.org/jobs  Click the “Fast Track” link and then “View Current Job Openings” and look for “Bus Driver Applicant Pools.”
We offer paid driver training. Full-time positions are available, as well as part-time with a minimum of four hours per day. Substitute positions are also available. Driver rates begin at $25.44 per hour and rise to $28.86 per hour after the first 60 days. Benefits are available to all drivers.



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Listening sessions with Shoreline Schools superintendent Reyes

Thursday, September 16, 2021



Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes is inviting families, staff and students to join her for a series of listening sessions over the next few months to gather insights and feedback on what is important to you in our schools, what is going well and where we can improve. 

The purpose of the listening sessions is for Dr. Reyes to hear directly from you, listen deeply and develop a well-rounded understanding of where we are and where we need to go as a school district.

There will be sessions available in English and Spanish on Sept. 20, Sept. 23, Oct. 11, Oct. 14 and Nov. 8. 2021. Listening session times and links can be found at https://bit.ly/SuptListeningSessions.



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