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Vol. III, No. 4 | October 29, 2010
Strengthening Our Community Through Excellence in Education
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Message from Superintendent Francois
Dear Northshore Families,
I recently had the opportunity to attend and participate in a discussion about the new Davis Guggenheim documentary "Waiting for Superman" with 25 students from our district's Teaching Academy program, high school principals and the president of the Northshore Education Association. "Waiting for Superman" has received much press since its release last month and has added to an already vigorous debate about public education and the best ways to improve outcomes for all students.
"Waiting for Superman" presents compelling stories of mostly disadvantaged children whose lives will forever be influenced by their chances to attend a school other than their sub-standard neighborhood school. The documentary clearly presents a bias in favor of charter schools and critical of teachers' unions. I believe both views are simplistic and incomplete.
Recent research has demonstrated that the vast majority of charter schools perform no better, and in many cases worse, than their public school counterparts. Voters in Washington have repeatedly said no to charter school initiatives. Despite the portrayal of teachers unions, they serve an important and legal function to advocate for the needs of their members and improve classroom conditions. And in my experience, union leaders can be helpful in removing or counseling out individuals who truly do not belong in the profession.
That said, the status quo is simply not good enough for far too many students across America and even in our own community. Improving outcomes for students struggling to achieve at high levels will require collaboration and partnership between districts, teachers, their representatives, parents and communities. The Northshore School District remains committed to working in cooperation with all stakeholders to improve opportunities and outcomes for all students.
The topics surfaced in "Waiting for Superman" ought to be civilly and rationally discussed. Regardless of whether you share the viewpoints presented, I encourage you to see the film. The conversation is one in which we should all have a voice.
We're fortunate in Northshore to have many more advantages than the schools profiled in "Waiting for Superman": a community that cares about, supports and has high expectations for quality public education; students prepared to learn from homes that reinforce the value of education; and talented, highly qualified staff committed to student success. As I discussed "Waiting for Superman" with 25 Teaching Academy students who may one day be teachers in our schools, I felt much more encouraged and optimistic than I did leaving the theater.
Truly,
Larry Francois, Superintendent
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School Board Meeting Information
The next School Board meeting is Nov. 9, 4 p.m., in the Administrative Center Board Room. To view the agenda or read minutes of past School Board meetings, please click here.
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Parent/Community Member Opening on Enrollment Demographics Task Force (EDTF)
The district is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Enrollment Demographics Task Force . Applicants must be a parent or community member in the Northshore School District to be considered.
The task force looks at demographic trends in the Northshore service area, determines the likely impact on our schools, the size of the student body from year to year, and as a result, on the district's ability to offer equitable programs and services to all students in all schools.
The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 29, 4:30 p.m. To download the application, please click here. More information is available on the district Web site or by calling the Communications Department at 425.408.7670.
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2010 Snow and Ice Bulletin
Winter weather conditions could impact school schedules. Northshore has implemented two important changes to district procedures this year to better serve families:
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2-hour late start for all grades
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Families will receive a telephone message if there is a delay or closure
Please read the 2010-11 Snow & Ice Bulletin, review alternate bus routes with your child and ensure you have updated your contact information at your child's school to be prepared for inclement weather.
For more information on schools and the weather, please click here.
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General Election is Nov. 2 - Remember to Vote
For information for voters and the 2010 General Election Voters' Guide, please visit www.sos.wa.gov/elections.
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Viewing Opportunity for Literacy Adoption - Nov. 8
There will be an opportunity for parents and community members to view the two pilot programs for Literacy Adoption. All teacher and student materials will be available for examination on Nov. 8, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Administrative Center Board Room. For more information, please contact etosas@nsd.org.
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Follow us on Facebook!
Here's another way to stay connected to Northshore School District news and information: Follow us on Facebook! Log onto Facebook and search "Northshore School District."
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Standard Time Begins Nov. 7
Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour.
Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks. More than 90% of homes in the U.S. have smoke detectors, but one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.
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Remember to Update Your Contact Information with Your Child's School
Please help us keep your contact information up-to-date. If you have a change of address, phone number or e-mail address, please remember to notify your child's school. |
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Community E-fliers Listings for 2010-11
The Northshore School District works with community organizations to provide information to families about not-for-profit services for students. The listing of any flier does not imply that their services have been endorsed by the school district.
To view the current e-flier listings, please click here.
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Interpreter/Translation Services
Your child's education is very important. As the parent/guardian of a Northshore student, you have the right to participate in your child's education, including communicating with teachers and staff about your child. Northshore offers interpreter and translation services to parents free of charge. For more information, please click here.
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Calendar
Nov. 2: General Election, Remember to Vote
Nov. 7: Standard Time, Set clocks BACK one hour
Nov. 9: School Board Meeting, Administrative Center Board Room, 4 p.m.
Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
Nov. 12: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
2010-11 District Calendars and Planner
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Around the District ...
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Para entrar a las conexiones de Northshore - y mantenerce conectado con
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Northshore Connections is
published twice monthly during the school year by Northshore Public Schools #417. It is designed to
inform community members about the strategic direction of the district as well as provide routine information of interest. Direct your questions and/or comments to the Editor.
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