Five Parents, One School
At this weekend's Education Summit Rita Green (President of the Rainier Beach PTSA) taught us about how five parents can transform any school into to a thriving educational space for all students. Ms. Greene believes that parents are essential to the development and sustainability of a high quality school that enables our students to thrive. She gave us numerous golden nuggets of wisdom regarding student success and district accountability.
The school district is big and many parents find it intimidating. It is hard to know where to start, but Ms. Greene gave us five ways that five parents can begin to hold their school accountable.
1. Ask the school to provide clear data and information regarding all aspects of education in the building. This includes asking about student grades, standardized test, the success of after-school programs, etc.
2. Respond to surveys. Your voice matters and what you think will make a difference.
3. Attend school board meeting, get on the agenda and testify about what you want to see in your school. Be diligent in your attendance and they will hear you.
4. Hold both your student and their teacher accountable.
5. Work with other parents to tell the school what you want to see happen in the school. Different people have different styles of communication. Do not be afraid to use them all!
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Rita was excited to work with Africatown Parent Engagement Action Team to develop a toolkit to distribute to parents and also to help coordinate a monthly potluck event to address issues of black students throughout the district.
Upcoming Events
More4Mann Weekly Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 @ 6pm
We will discuss details regarding the building update, program growth and upcoming events. Come and help us continue to develop More4Mann!
Elevate to Educate: Cypher Circle
Date: Friday, October 25, 2013 @ 5pm
Location: Africatown Innovation Center
Local emcees and DJs will gather together in an intergenerational setting to share knowledge through the power of hip-hop.
- Dr. Umar Johnson in Seattle October 25-26 @ Life Enrichment Bookstore
- Black Student Education Forum @ South Shore School October 26th, 9am-1pm
- Black Solidarity Day - Nov. 4th
- Puget Sound Equity Summit @ Highline CC - Nov. 8th
- Black & Brown Male Summit @ Highline CC - Nov. 16th
All City Black Student Union Gathering
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
In early November we will gather together with BSU leaders from the greater Seattle area to discuss building stronger networks that enable us to better serve our community.
Building Update
More 4 Mann representatives received a lease proposal for Columbia Annex from Seattle Public Schools on Friday, October 18, 2013. There are concerns about the quality of space including reports of mold and rodents. The district had originally offered Van Asselt as an interim location but reneged on that location.
We are currently working with the District to ensure that the space provided is one that is safe and allows us to continuing serving our community with innovative and culturally relevant programming. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Seattle Public Schools. We look forward to building dynamic educational institutions that empower our scholars to thrive.
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