White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Good luck to all the families with kids entering/returning to Highline Public Schools this year! It’s the first day of classes for 1st through 12th graders in the district. Here’s the district’s start-of-school message to families.

Safety concerns? Here’s a chance to talk about them with community leaders. Announced by Highline Public Schools:

Highline Public Schools Board Director Stephanie Tidholm is hosting a community event for families and students in the White Center community to talk about and address safety in the community. The event will be co-facilitated by community leaders, including Aaron Garcia, Long Phan, and others.

Families and students who live in the White Center community are invited and encouraged to bring their questions and ideas about safety in the community.

Coming Together to Address Community Safety
Date: Tuesday, May 28
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Evergreen High School Library
Address: 830 SW 116th Street

Spanish, Somali and Vietnamese interpreters will be available.

From Highline Public Schools:

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal.

(WCN/WSB photo, Thursday)

It’s been a year and a half since Chase Bank closed its White Center location in that distinctive round building at 1616 SW 100th. At the time, we reported here that Chase planned to put the half-acre site up for sale. This week, a reader asked us about fencing that has gone up around the site, and whether that indicated the building’s future had been determined. Our subsequent research revealed that the site has been purchased by the owner of West Seattle’s Evergreen Learning Center, a preschool and day care. ELC’s current location at 6007 California SW has long had a redevelopment plan – mixed use with ~50 apartments – so the center needed a new home. Contacted by email, ELC owner Cassie Ragsdale confirmed that the former bank building is ELC’s future home: “I just recently closed on this location to move Evergreen Learning Center to, since the location that we are currently in will be redeveloped. We are in the permitting stage but are hoping to begin construction this fall. We’re excited to be bringing our school to the White Center community!”

The parent-support organization for CHOICE Academy, which is open to students from around the Highline district, is expressing appreciation for a donation from an area business, as well as continuing fundraising for an end-of-school-year initiative, and asked us to publish this:

CHOICE Academy Parent Support Organization, an organization of parents fiscally sponsored by the Highline Schools Foundation, is partnering with Azteca Mexican Restaurants to donate T-shirts to students for Field Day, the last day of the school year.

Azteca Mexican Restaurants, with locations in Tukwila and Burien, has made a donation in support of the purchase, with both locations’ separate ownerships showing support for the school’s initiative.

CHOICE Academy is a small school with around 180 students for grades 6-12, which offers a smaller educational environment with more flexibility. It has won several awards for academic excellence and has stand-out test scores for the district. The CHOICE Academy Parent Support Organization aims to provide some extras for the students and support the teachers and staff.

“The PSO fell into dormancy over the pandemic, but we’ve managed to get back up and running and the parents have come through on a number of occasions to help with events. It was quite a struggle to revive the organization, which is one reason why it’s so heartening to see community support like this,” said Beth Quittman, the President of CHOICE Academy Parent Support Organization.

The PSO is selling Butter Braids, a frozen filled pastry, to raise the remaining funds needed for the project. Supporters who wish to take part in the fundraiser can do so online (here) and pick up their purchases on May 26 or donate their purchases to local homeless shelter Mary’s Place.

Azteca Mexican Restaurants, a locally owned business with its Burien headquarters building located right next to the school district headquarters, is happy to show their support for the school’s initiative. Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and Azteca Mexican Restaurants is the perfect place to celebrate while showing appreciation for their community spirit.

(Rendering by Bassetti Architects)

Construction is close to beginning on White Center’s new Evergreen High School. The ceremonial groundbreaking has been announced by Highline Public Schools:

In November 2022, our community invested in building a new Evergreen High School. You’re invited to attend the historic groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 19, at 3:15 p.m.

Following the groundbreaking, all are invited to a celebration with the Evergreen design review committee members. Learn more about the school design, construction materials and the phased construction plan.

Evergreen High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
Friday, May 19
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Northeast corner of the school campus, near the softball and baseball fields

Design Review Committee Celebration & Construction Information
Friday, May 19
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Cafeteria

Location
Evergreen High School
830 SW 116th Street

This garden has teeth! The New Start High School Shark Garden hosted a community open house last Saturday; thanks to Gill Loring for the photos.

It was more than a chance to see the community garden and those who tend it – it was also a resource fair, with local nonprofits on hand.

The garden was founded in 2015; you can read its story here. (Scroll down that page to see how the garden has donated literally tons of food to the White Center Food Bank!)

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

Students across the country demonstrated Thursday and Friday to plead for an end to gun violence, days after the massacre in Uvalde, Texas. Among today’s protests was a walkout Friday morning organized by the Student Council at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. Participating students left their classrooms at 9 am to demonstrate outside the school at 20th and Roxbury.

They began with a prayer, followed by a student-written poem:

Walker Mae read the poem, “How Many More?” (the author wished to be anonymous), after Rianna led the prayer. Then the students stood in silence for 10 minutes.

Rianna is the Student Council president and invited us to cover the demonstration, explaining, “We are demonstrating that we are against school shootings, gun violence, and to show support to all the lives lost due to this tragedy.”

The state and county indoor-masking requirements end for most establishments and venues after tomorrow. So here’s what the Highline Public Schools policy will be, as announced today:

On Tuesday, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) issued updated guidance for COVID safety in schools. These changes reflect declining COVID case rates and hospitalizations in King County and Washington state.

As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to follow DOH guidance. Here are some key points in the updated guidance, effective Monday, March 14:

-Masks: Masks are no longer required for staff, students and visitors in schools in most circumstances. Some staff and students may choose to continue to wear masks. Masks provide an additional layer of protection and are especially important for those who are or who live with someone at higher risk for severe COVID disease.
-Quarantine: Students and staff who are exposed to COVID are encouraged to get tested and monitor for symptoms. They are not required to quarantine unless they show symptoms.
-Positive COVID cases: If you test positive, you must stay at home (isolate) for at least 5 days. You can return to school if you test negative on or after day 5, are fever-free for 24 hours, and have resolving symptoms. Masking is strongly recommended upon return through day 10. If you do not test, you must isolate for a full 10 days.

Keeping our staff and students safe and healthy is our priority. Highline will continue to follow all DOH requirements and maintain current safety practices, including:

-Stay home when sick: If you have symptoms, stay home and get tested.
-Care rooms: Schools will continue to isolate students with symptoms in a care room until they can be picked up. PPE is required in care rooms and nurse clinics.
-Positive case notification: We will continue sending notifications of positive COVID cases.
-COVID testing: We will continue to provide access to COVID testing.
-Staff vaccination: Staff must be vaccinated for COVID unless they have an exemption. Boosters are not required.
-Student vaccination: We strongly encourage all students over age 5 to be vaccinated. We will continue to host vaccination clinics for students. Please visit our vaccination web page for vaccination opportunities.
-Ventilation: We continue to maintain upgraded ventilation systems.
-Physical distancing: We will maintain distancing to the extent possible.
-PPE: We will continue to provide appropriate PPE to staff and students

We recognize that while other safety measures remain in place, going to optional masks is a significant shift. We will respect each individual’s decision on masks. A mask or lack thereof will not limit a student’s participation in school, although masks may be required in some specific situations like athletics and instrumental music.

Please remember that if you want your student to wear a mask, they will be responsible for keeping their mask on. Staff will not be expected to remind students to put on or pull up their masks.

We know students will have a range of questions and reactions, from excitement to worry. We have developed class lessons to help students navigate this change.

We also encourage you to talk with your student. Here are some key points to discuss:

There are many reasons why someone may choose to wear or not wear a mask. We should not judge or question another person’s choice. We are still in this pandemic together. It is important to show concern and kindness to one another. Schools will not tolerate harassment of any student over masks or anything else. Encourage your student to tell an adult if they witness or experience mistreatment or bullying.

As we have learned over the past two years, circumstances can change unexpectedly. Public health leaders may reinstate masking or other measures if cases or hospitalizations increase. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your principal.

To the north, Seattle Public Schools also will make masks optional as of Monday.

Who will lead Highline Public Schools when Dr. Susan Enfield leaves as superintendent? The district has announced three finalists, and town halls next week during which you’ll hear from them, one finalist at a time. Here’s the announcement:

The Highline Public Schools Board of Directors named three finalists for the position of superintendent of Highline Public Schools, following a community engagement process.

The finalists are:

Dr. Concie Pedroza
Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Dr. Ivan Duran

“Through our community process, Highline Public Schools community members laid out high expectations for our next superintendent,” said School Board President Aaron Garcia. “These highly qualified candidates are a result of that community process and each of them reflects the qualifications and characteristics our constituents told us they value.”

Dr. Concie Pedroza began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as an elementary, K-8 and high school principal. She currently serves as the associate superintendent in Seattle Public Schools, the largest district in Washington state, overseeing schools, academics, student services and African American male achievement.

Dr. Keisha Scarlett is chief academic officer for Seattle Public Schools and formerly served as chief of equity, partnerships, and engagement. Dr. Scarlett has dedicated her career to advocating for academic opportunities and environments that tap into students’ inherent brilliance, particularly those furthest from educational justice.

Dr. Ivan Duran is a proud product of public education. An early passion for reading and learning sparked his interest in being an educator. He has served more than 30 years in public education and is currently chief of acceleration and recovery for the Renton School District. From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Duran was superintendent of the Bellevue School District.

To read more about the finalists, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/finalists

Next week, the finalists will each spend a day in Highline where they will tour schools and meet with students, a few stakeholder groups and school board members. Each day will end in a virtual town hall. At the end of each town hall, the community will immediately have an opportunity to provide feedback on the finalists through an online form.

Town Hall with Dr. Concie Pedroza
Monday, February 14
6:15-7:00 p.m.

Town Hall with Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Tuesday, February 15
6:15-7:00 p.m.

Town Hall with Dr. Ivan Duran
Thursday, February 17
6:15-7:00 p.m.

The questions to be asked of the candidates at the town halls are pre-selected. Some of the questions were generated through a community-wide ThoughtExchange. Student moderators will emcee the town halls and ask the questions.

To watch the town hall, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/townhalls

To provide feedback on the finalists, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/feedback

The School Board anticipates appointing a superintendent following the finalists visits. The new superintendent will begin on July 1, 2022.

Highline Public Schools is offering COVID-19 vaccination and testing around the district this week. Here are the White Center times, dates, locations:

TESTING: From the full list – Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th), 3-4:30 pm Tuesday (January 4th). According to the district, “Testing is available to students, families, household members, and staff.”

VACCINATION: From the full list – Cascade Middle School (11212 10th SW), 9-11 am Saturday (January 8th). HPS students only. According to the district, “Vaccines will be available first-come, first-serve. No registration is required ahead of time.”

Just announced by Highline Public Schools: Because of the weather – as all that snow turns to slush – all schools will be on a 2-hour delay tomorrow (Monday, January 3rd). From the district website:

Buses will stop at regular stops – two hours later than normal.

There will be no breakfast, no morning or afternoon classes for preschool and ECEAP, and no morning classes for PSSC. Afternoon classes for PSSC will be on time. All before-school programs are canceled, including clubs, activities and in-school daycare. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

Schools will dismiss at regular times.

Staff Instructions
Staff are expected to report to work as close to on time as possible. Please use your judgement on whether it is safe for you to travel to work. See an outline of expectations for employees for inclement weather on the Staff Hub.

Summer’s ending and school’s about to start. Here are five start dates of note for White Center and vicinity:

September 2 – Highline Public Schools (1st-12th grades)
September 7 – Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
September 8 – Highline Public Schools (kindergarten)
September 8 – West Seattle Montessori
September 9 – Explorer West Middle School

The Community School of West Seattle at 22nd/Roxbury invites your support at a fundraising concert in White Center Heights Park:

Go here for tickets.

If you’re a Highline Public Schools family, the district is asking for your decision for next school year – in-person or remote learning. They’ve set Thursday (May 27th) as the decision deadline. You can go here to make your choice; for more info on the 2021-2022 plan, go here.

Here’s a tasty way to help the White Center Cooperative Preschool:

We need you to eat ice cream, cookie dough, and cotton candy for a great cause!

The past year has brought all sorts of challenges for schools. Our local preschool, the White Center Co-Op Preschool (part of the larger South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools) has seen a huge increase in financial assistance requests, and outdoor classes and remote learning has meant new demands for class materials. But through it all, the school has kept kids learning and playing, and given families invaluable support through community and the parent education program. Now we are offering our newest and most sugary Covid Pack ever to help raise money for this incredible school.

The Sugar Rush Covid Pack includes a pint of ice cream, a pint of vegan chocolate chip edible cookie dough, and a quart of cotton candy. You’ll also get a one of kind piece of art from one of the kids you are supporting. The cost is $30, with half going straight to the school.

Order online now through Thursday, April 29 and pick up starting Friday, April 30th at Full Tilt in White Center.

Tonight and tomorrow, Highline Public Schools is presenting informational sessions about a new – permanently – online option. Here’s the announcement:

The Highline Virtual Academy launches for students in 6th through 12th grades in Fall 2021. Students who thrive in independent and online learning are good candidates for Highline Virtual Academy.

“We’ve learned that despite all of the challenges of remote learning, some of our students thrive in this environment–they like learning online, and some of our staff like teaching online,” Superintendent Susan Enfield said. “We’re excited that online learning will become a permanent option for students here in Highline.”

Students will attend classes from home rather than coming into a school building. Flexibility and self-pacing are two components of the academy’s learning model. The staff at the academy will provide face-to-face experiences in an online environment and build relationships with students and families to deliver on Highline’s promise to know every student by name, strength and need. The school will accept a limited number of students in 6th through 12th grade.

Highline students can engage in athletics through their neighborhood school.

Students and families can apply for the academy now. If interest exceeds enrollment capacity, students will be selected by lottery. Students living in the Highline service area will be prioritized over students from other districts.

Learn More About the New Virtual Academy
Information sessions will include a 30-minute presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A.

Thursday, January 28
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Zoom Link

Friday, January 29
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Zoom Link

Regardless of how it ends, the 2020-2021 school year’s start for Highline Public Schools made history, with thousands of students and teachers connecting online. The district made this video featuring dozens of scenes from Day 1.

Highline Public Schools has announced that the 2020-2021 school year will start without in-person classes:

Highline Superintendent Susan Enfield announced today that Highline schools would begin the school year with distance learning, where students in all grades will learn from home. The district had been planning for in-person instruction on alternating days to allow for social distancing.

“I have been fiercely hoping to have our students back in our schools this fall,” said Superintendent Enfield. “But after reviewing all the data and feedback, and as the person who ultimately bears responsibility for the health and safety of our students and staff in our schools, I cannot in good conscience open schools for in-person instruction in September,”

In a survey of all employees, over 35 percent of staff reported they are in a high-risk group for COVID infection, and nearly 29 percent of teachers say they live with or care for someone who is at high risk.

This announcement comes on the same day as five other south King County districts announced similar plans.

Countries that have successfully reopened schools in-person have done so with declining infection rates. COVID-19 cases are rising in King County, and over half of all new cases are among people ages 20-39 according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.

When infection rates decrease, the district plans to move into a hybrid model. Families will have the option to continue distance learning, with students remaining with their teachers and classmates while learning from home, or choose in-person instruction two to four days a week, depending on grade level and special needs.

For more information, visit highlineschools.org/coronavirus.

Neighboring Seattle Public Schools made the same announcement today.

Starting at 11 this (Sunday 6/14) morning, Highline Public Schools will stream the Evergreen High School Class of 2020 graduation celebration here:

As announced by the district:

Congratulations to the Evergreen High School Class of 2020. Our seniors have worked hard, and they deserve to be celebrated. Although a traditional graduation ceremony is not possible due to the pandemic, we have a creative way to celebrate commencement.

Seniors and families will be scheduled to rotate through a drive-through graduation ceremony at Evergreen High School on Sunday, June 14. Wearing their cap and gown, each student will receive their diploma cover, get a professional photo taken, and be cheered on by teachers and staff with appropriate social distancing. Students will also receive senior awards, yearbook, graduation programs and Class of 2020 memorabilia.

It will be different than a traditional commencement with the whole class together. However, everyone will have a chance to be honored in front of their families, see the teachers who have supported them, and be at their school one last time.

Location: Evergreen Parking Lot
Address: 830 SW 116th St.
Date: Sunday, June 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Full details for grads and their families are here.