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Thank you very much to all of you who turned out for the Giving Night. The hard work and effort that the Giving/Auction committee made was outstanding. I appreciate all of you who were able to come give your time, effort, and support. We are fortunate at Daniel Bagley to have so many folks who give in many different ways, whether it is time in the classroom, financial support, chaperoning for field trips, supporting the staff, helping with after school activities, the list goes on. There are endless ways to support our school and we, as a staff, feel very grateful.
School Budget/Transformation Plan
March brings a very busy time for Seattle Public Schools. One principal mentioned that she called it “March Madness”—I happen to agree. Schools have been busy this month putting together both their school budgets and their Transformation Plans (School Improvement Plans). As some of you already know, the budget for the 08/09 school years has changed from a “Weighted Student Formula” to a “Weighted Staffing Formula.” What this means (in a nutshell) is that the money schools used to receive was based on how many students attended a particular school—the number of students drove in the amount of money schools received. The new budget has a formula that is still based on how many students attend the school, but now the number of students drives the amount of staff a building receives. The Daniel Bagley Building Leadership Team, comprised of staff and parents, has been meeting regularly to discuss the budget and allocation of funds. The Daniel Bagley staff has also met to discuss the new budget process as well as what this means for us as a school next year. I have also spent time with the PTA board to talk about school funding and how PTA monies can best support our staff and school for the next school year.
The D.B. staff has also been working hard to update our Transformation Plan (School Improvement Plan). The TP is basically the “business plan” for the school for the upcoming year or two with regards to student learning. The plan articulates the school's goals in Reading, Mathematics, Writing and Diversity/Inclusion. The TP is a way in which we set goals and explicitly state how and when we plan to execute these goals. At Daniel Bagley School we write these plans in teams (cross programs—Contemporary/Autism Inclusion/Montessori) in order to authentically state what our plan is in order to improve student learning and close the achievement gap. We then take our plan to a meeting with two other schools downtown to the John Stanford International Center and present it to district leaders. Our presentation will occur on March 19th. As soon as this is completed the Building Leadership Team will create a “summarized” version of the plan (it is very long) so that it is available for D.B. families.
Miscellaneous
Math games online: If by chance you couldn't be here for our last Family Math Game Night, please check in with your teacher to receive your student's Everyday Mathematics computer ID number so that he or she can play math games on-line. Some parents have reported that their students have really enjoyed this new component to our new math curriculum.
Safety
Just a reminder to please use only the front doors during the school day (after 9:00 a.m.) and to sign in if you are here to help in the classroom or see your child. I appreciate the effort folks have made to wear volunteer badges and sign in each day. Thank you.
Crosswalk
A big thank you to Helen, our fabulous crossing guard who keeps our children (and adults) safe each and every day. We appreciate your commitment and dedication to the students of Daniel Bagley!
Writers In The Schools
This week begins our second semester with our Writer in Residence, Connie Weber. Students in the 2nd and 3rd grades will be working with Connie and their teachers to create writing pieces that we hope to share during our Art Walk in May. Connie will be here at Daniel Bagley each Friday to work with students.
Spring Break
Just a reminder that spring break begins this year a bit early—March 31st to the 4th. Thanks for taking the time to read the Buzz. Here's to two more great weeks in March!
Respectfully,
Kimberly Kinzer, Principal
kdkinzer@seattleschools.org
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