Pathfinder Compass
October 24, 2021
What to expect with The Compass!
Every Sunday you will receive The Compass to keep us all informed and connected of essential Pathfinder news. If you are interested in narrating The Compass please reach out to Dr. Holmes!
In this issue:
- Welcome Packet
- Transportation Updates
- Mark Your Calendars
New News
- Clicable Link for Pathfinder Needs
- Direct Give
- Clickable Link for Library Updates from Ami
- Music Update from Mr. Bores
- SBA Testing
- Virtual Option Pilot Program Expansion (grades 6 - 12)
- Pathfinder Operations
- Just so you know...
Old News
- Clickable Link for Blazing Trails News
- Upcoming Listening Sessions
- Family Based Racial Equity Committee
- Lost and Found Fridays
- Recordings of Virtual Events
- Previous Compass Links
- Dr. Holmes' Incoming Goals
If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.
-Lucy Larcom
Welcome Packet
Transportation Update
We are happy to announce that on Wednesday October 27th buses 561 and 564 will be restored!
Your PTSA Volunteer Executive Board has been investigating solutions to support our families with the cut of our buses this past Monday, October 18th. Here are some recommendations we have and we hope you will find them helpful to connect and support each other. We need some parent volunteers to help us connect and implement some systems to replace our buses for the time being. Please email communications@pathfinderk8ptsa.org with ideas or to help coordinate as a volunteer.
Here are some ideas. We hope this is helpful.
- Walking trains - perhaps from Delridge/Bottom of the stairs, Puget ridge and Pigeon Point.
- Carpooling. Here is a bus route based spread sheet by Vincent (father of a Kestrel) to organize sign ups for routes! There are many apps for this. Here is an example: carpool kids or floc app.
- Older children taking the city bus (although the kids seem to be waiting a long time for it to arrive).
- Parking further into the neighborhood (19th, 20th and side streets) and either having your child walk to the agreed upon location or meeting them on the grassy knoll.
- Crossing guards would be really wonderful at the intersections of 21st and 19th and Genesee. To get official ones we have to apply through the city. Perhaps someone can set up a sign up genius to organize volunteers to do this. Please get in touch with the PTSA if you can lead this effort.
This is an opportunity to help our community both in navigating transportation and reducing our carbon footprint and the high levels of pollution our kids and the neighbors are exposed to by our cars. A friendly reminder that no idling as much as can will help!
This is an also opportunity to ask families to re-evaluate how they do pick up their students as this is an action that sends a message stronger than anything else to our children around the need for all of us to reduce our contribution to the global climate crisis.
SPS has a thoughtful well designed Clean and Renewable Energy Resolution that emphasizes Racial equity that passed in January 2021.
Mark Your Calendars!
October 26th 6:00 - 7:00pm Middle School Listening Session
Meeting ID: 872 8401 2611
Passcode: 735192
October 26 - November 10 SBA Testing for Grades 4 - 8
November 1st - November 15th Direct Give
November 5th During School Spooky Spirit Day
November 8th 6:00 - 7:00pm SPED Families Listening Session
November 15th 6:00 - 7:00pm BIPOC Families Listening Session
Direct Give
Your PTSA aims to raise $100,000 to directly support Pathfinder K-8. Direct Give is our primary fundraiser, and the easiest to participate in. Every dollar you donate to Direct Give is funneled directly back to Pathfinder. Our Direct Give campaign kicks off on November 1st!
- Your PTSA has allocated $70,500 in academic and classroom support – tutors, office staffing, instructional aides, library books, classroom supplies, art supplies, and P.E. equipment that our kids would otherwise not have.
- Your PTSA fundraising pays for our Incredible garden and outdoor classroom space (where kids voluntarily eat vegetables and healthy foods, work hard to maintain and plant our garden, experience their class curriculum and learn about their connection and place in the life cycle on earth!) We fund our amazing garden teacher, Karen Hogan Li (a Pathfinder parent herself).
- Your PTSA has pledged approximately $25,000 in funds to improve racial equity, fund the WeApp program to help promote educational justice, in addition to community giving and development.
- Your PTSA also sponsors educational and fun events that are outside the classroom for our kids – such as Science Fair, Field Day, and of course, camping (which will be back, keep the faith!)
Every dollar makes a difference. This year, as we make this our biggest fundraising event we are asking our families who can give, to consider increasing their charitable donation. Our goals are big, but with everyone’s support, we can continue to provide the additional funding that amplifies our children’s Pathfinder K-8 education.
We will spend two weeks on our fundraiser from November 1-15th. We will have a visual presence. When the campaign begins, visit our website and click the Donate Now button. It’s that easy! You may also drop off a check at the front office (payable to “Pathfinder PTSA”) or donate online.
Music Update from Mr. Bores
Hello Pathfinder Families!
Do you have a ukulele sitting at home, going unused? Please consider donating it to our Pathfinder music program!
Due to the nature of COVID-19, we are making the decision to not have 4th and 5th grade students play the recorder this year. This decision was made because we believe it is within the best interest of our students' health and safety.
Instead of recorders, I would love to launch a ukulele unit for every 4th and 5th grade student. I think ukulele instruction in our music classes would be a fun, relevant instrumental experience that all of our students could benefit from. However, Pathfinder does not currently have a supply of ukuleles. A class set of ukuleles (about 30) comes at a hefty sum, so I am looking for donations to help reduce the music program's cost.
If you have ukuleles in good condition that are going unused, please consider donating them to Pathfinder's music program! If you do not own a ukulele to donate, but would like to purchase one to donate to our music program contact me via e-mail, and I can send you information on how to purchase one for us.
Please send me an e-mail at jabores@seattleschools.org if you are interested in donating or would like to learn more!
Thanks,
Mr. Bores
SBA Testing
Fourth - Eighth Grades
The fall window for the SBA assessment is open. Please prepare your scholar by ensuring they have a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast!
We have also learned it is VERY helpful to restart laptops multiple times prior to the assessment, this allows for necessary updates to be installed. Please ensure your scholar restarts their laptop at least once each night!
Virtual Option Pilot Program Expansion
Dear Seattle Public Schools Families,
Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing 180 Days of Excellence to all of our students. This commitment includes delivering high-quality instruction and providing the necessary supports to ensure the health and well-being of our students.
We are excited to extend our current Virtual Option Pilot Program (VOPP) to include middle and high school (6-12) students and continue to build on the virtual innovations from the previous school year.
Courses will be taught by Washington State certificated teachers using Edgenuity Instructional Services. SPS and Edgenuity will also partner to provide Special Education and 504 accommodations to students who currently receive those services. All students who opt into the 6-12 VOPP will remain enrolled in SPS, but they will be reassigned to the 6-12 VOPP @ Cascade Parent Partnership (CPP).
Enrollment is open to any SPS student, but space is currently limited to 300. Priority will be given to those who formally expressed interest in our virtual learning option through the SPS interest form made available during the summer. In addition, we will prioritize students with a documented underlying condition that increases their risk for severe illness from COVID-19, students who live in a household where someone in the household is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, students who have a mental health issue or other condition, and/or students who experienced an increased sense of safety during remote learning.
Students must commit to staying in the program through the end of the 2021-22 school year.
If you are interested, please fill out the enrollment application form and sign up by October 25 at 5 p.m.
To learn more information about the Edgenuity experience for secondary students, watch this video. Questions about 6-12 VOPP @ Cascade Parent Partnership enrollment can be sent to admissions@seattleschools.org.
Thank you,
Admissions Office
Seattle Public Schools
Pathfinder Operations
Arrival and Dismissal
K-3 Families: We have established a reasonably efficiently pick up and drop off process, a few asks:
- Ensure you keep the entrance to the roundabout clear as we had families who park in the ADA lot.
- Ensure you drive along the curb as tight as possible to ensure there is another lane open for traffic flow.
Pathfinder Aerosol Particle Reading
A report has come out that gives information on the safety of the airflow at Pathfinder:
- Here is the overall Seattle Public Schools Return to School Plan prepared by the contractor, Engineering Economics. Pay specific attention to page 7 - Risk Assessment - Discusses 2020 COVID 19 Aerosol Transmission Estimator, a study that links the number of air changes per hour with the risk of transmission.
- Here are the Pre and Post Occupancy Particle Log for Pathfinder-specific spaces as well as the exterior of the building. Notice how there are more aerosol particles captured on the exterior of the building than inside.
- Here are the Pre and Post Occupancy FAQ Documents to better understand how the readings were gathered and what they mean.
This data shows the HVAC mitigation piece is in place are removing aerosols from the air that is likely to carry COVID19 (measures below 15 micrograms). The research suggests Pathfinder's HVAC systems and supplemented HEPA filters provide adequate air changes per hour - the risk of transmission is low (<1%).
Heavy Rain and High Winds!
While we are not immediately looking to move students inside for lunch, we know that there is collected data that suggests it is safe for students to eat inside Pathfinder.
We are inventorying the number of chairs, cafeteria tables, and foldable tables we have and again working with the family community to see if can get students off the ground all while maximizing social distancing. More information on that to come, and please let's all give a round of appreciation to the families who have supported Pathfinder lunch this school year - from development and redevelopment of the layout, supervision, and cleaning/maintaining yoga mats. Thank you Pathfinder Community!
Dear SPS Families,
In the next few days Seattle may experience heavy rains and high winds according to local weather experts.
Seventy percent of our schools are currently hosting some type of outdoor lunch. The use of tents is not safe with winds over 30 mph.
In preparation for winter weather, all schools have an indoor lunch plan. If needed, these plans will be activated. Strategies to distance students indoors while eating will include:
- Eating in classrooms
- Using all available large spaces (gyms, open common spaces, hallways, cafeterias, performing arts spaces)
- Temporarily increasing the number of lunch periods
School leaders met today to discuss options and to prepare for next week. If lunches are moved inside, the district will put an alert on all school websites.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as the district continues to navigate pandemic related challenges.
Seattle Public Schools
Just so you know...
We heard our BIPOC families and students!
- Ami shared an excellent list of picture books curated by Grace Lin that showcase positive Asian American representation.
- The stage will be a meeting space for BIPOC students led by a BIPOC counselor - more information to come.
- Staff are interrogating how we have been socialized and exploring what they will do to ensure our BIPOC students and families are emotionally safe and welcome at Pathfinder.
We heard our Students!
Please note on Friday October, 29th students are welcome to wear costumes or not wear costumes. Should you choose to wear a costume, please keep the following guidelines in mind in order to make the spooky season a positive experience for everyone at school:
- Costumes are optional
- Help Pathfinder scholars select a costume that is not violent in nature – violence is inappropriate at school and blood and gore representations can be frightening. No weapons of any kind will be allowed at school.
- Help your child select a costume that is culturally sensitive and respectful – avoid culture appropriation - dressing up as non-specific people from cultures other than your own.
- For safety reasons, do not include masks or other face coverings that make your child not easily recognizable. This includes face painting.
- Adult/Family costumes should follow the same guidelines.
- If you are not sure whether a particular costume is appropriate for school, we encourage you to consult with your child’s teacher.
October is Disability Awareness Month
Check out the Seattle Special Education PTSA page. Four amazing volunteers curated the books, podcasts, videos, articles, and other posts. One reading room is for younger students and one is for teens and adults. You can click on any object and be taken to a source about disability history -- even the plants!
October Principle - Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is the commitment to build a beloved and loving community that is sustainable and growing.
We know that if you hurt somebody, you have to help them feel better; you can’t just say “sorry,” and walk away. We also know that its important for kids to be able to make a better choice another time, and it’s grownups’ job to help them make better choices and to give them chances to do that. Another way to say that is restorative justice.
Girl Scout Information
Troops are active and forming at Pathfinder K-8! Girl Scouts are making an impact in the world, taking on challenges, learning STEM and outdoor skills, making friends, and much more. There are activities and options to fit every age and interest. Want to learn more? Attend a virtual information night on Monday, November 8 at 6:30. Sign up HERE.
Working in SPS?
School support:
- Part-Time: lunchroom and recess monitors, culinary services assistants.
Classroom subs:
- Paraeducator and certificated substitutes.
Bus drivers:
- SPS transportation provider First Student is recruiting bus drivers - hourly rate is $26.00-$31.40 plus a sign-on bonus.
Review all job openings and apply!
Frequently Asked Questions about Substitute Positions
Q: What are substitute teacher requirements?
- bachelor's degree,
- academic preparation for or experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system,
- valid Washington State Teaching Certificate or Washington State Substitute Teaching Certificate.
Q: I don't have a teaching certificate. Can I be a substitute teacher?
A: We support emergency substitute certificates for hard-to-fill schools and subject areas. If you would like to become an emergency substitute, please fill out the online certificated substitute application. If you are interested in completing this process, please email Deniece Edwards.
Q: What are Paraeducator substitute requirements?
- an associate degree, two years of college, or a passing score on the Paraprofessional assessment test,
- one year of related paid or volunteer work experience,
- valid State of Washington Driver's License.
Q: How do I schedule the Paraprofessional assessment test?
A: To schedule a Paraprofessional testing appointment, please visit the SPS scheduling system to make an appointment. The cost to take the test is $55, payable by check or money order. Please contact the Human Resources Department front desk to ask about a study guide for the test. Contact: 206-252-0215 or hr@seattleschools.org
Our students are counting on you. Please help us fill these important jobs by forwarding this email to five friends or family members and/or sharing it on your social media networks.
Thank you for supporting Seattle schools and students!
Upcoming Listening Sessions
Our upcoming sessions will be focused on grade band specific information and opportunities to share praises, questions, and concerns. We look forward to seeing you all on Zoom! All sessions will be recorded and take place 6 - 7pm.
Middle School Folx | October 26th
Folx with students in any Special Education program | November 8th
BIPOC Folx | November 16th
Family-Based Racial Equity Committee
Pathfinder's Anti-Racism Pledge and Practice Guide (Please see details below.)
Greetings Pathfinder community!
Your family-based Racial Equity Committee (REC) is very excited to invite you to participate in our Anti-Racist Pledge and Practice Guide for the 2021-2022 school year. This pledge has been created to help our community take concrete, anti-racist action in our mutual work to make Pathfinder a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.
Please click on the link below (or above) for The Pledge! It is best to access the pledge link on a computer or laptop. If using a mobile phone, please use landscape orientation.
Also, please plan on joining us for our Inaugural Pledge Party in November - details to come!
Pathfinder’s Anti-Racism Pledge and Practice Guide
In solidarity,
–REC–
Lost and Found Fridays
Recordings of Virtual Events
- Dr. Holmes Meet and Greet
- MS Orientation
- School Opening and Pathfinder 101
- Second and Third Listening Session
- Kindergarten and First Listening Session
- Curriculum Night, Music with Mr. Bores, Elementary and Middle School Art with Adrian, Garden with Karen
- Fourth and Fifth Listening Session
Dr. Holmes' Incoming Goals
- To know all folx personally and professionally connected to the school. Further, allow others to know me as fully as possible outside day to day connection, crisis, and problem solving.
- To use qualitative and quantitative data to determine concerns and issues regarding improving student performance that needs to be closely examined and addressed to repay the educational debt.
- To learn the artifacts, beliefs, and basic underlying assumptions through engaging in essential conversations with Pathfinder students, staff, and community.
- To identify, hold onto, and strengthen traditions that center students and bring the community together. Further, partner with students, staff, and the community to ensure social emotional learning and growth is embedded in the curriculum, adult strengths are highlighted, and we have fun!