What We’re Up To

We hope you are all enjoying your summer and soaking in as much sunshine as you can. Here is a quick update as we head into August.

Our 504 Plans & IEP Online Workshops Are Back!

Our workshops are back for a second year! Please join Eric Willard, charter parent, WA FAB board member, and special education advocate, at the following days and times for an online presentation and group discussion about 504 Plans (504s) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs):

• Thursday, August 29th at 6:30 pm

• Thursday, September 26th at 6:30 pm

These events are focused on charter public school families whose children may need additional support to access their education and those whose children have 504 Plans or IEPs.

REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/parents-intro

What’s Going On in the Charter Community

Charter School Renewal Updates

Spokane Public Schools

• Last school year, after fulfilling the conditions of their short-term three-year conditional renewal, Pride Schools, authorized by the Spokane Public Schools district, was recommended for a full five-year contract renewal. You can take a look at their renewal materials and reports online. One change they will be making for the upcoming school year is to temporarily close their middle school.

• Lumen High School will be up for renewal this coming year! Keep an eye on the district’s Charter School Authorization page for more information.

WA Charter School Commission

• Tukwila’s Impact | Puget Sound Elementary is up for a second short-term renewal at the Commission’s August 8th meeting. Public comment is still open and welcome about this renewal!

• South Seattle’s Impact | Salish Sea Elementary is renewing its contract for the first time. The renewal will also be decided on August 8th. Public comment is still open and welcome about this renewal!

• The Olympic Peninsula’s Catalyst: Bremerton, renewing its contract for the first time. The renewal will be decided at the Charter Commission’s October 10th meeting.

Washington Charter Schools in the News

1. On the Washington-Idaho border, a high school for pregnant and parenting teens | The Washington Standard on Lumen High School

2. Vancouver’s first charter school: Program is rooted in promise | The Columbian on Rooted School Vancouver

3. Pullman Community Montessori decides not to appeal closure | The Lewiston Tribune on Pullman Community Montessori

4. Rainier Prep awarded WA State Recognition for Outstanding Achievement | WA Charter Commission via WA Charters on Rainier Prep

Local Charter School Board Meetings

Did you know that all charter public schools have a school board responsible for making sure their school delivers on their promises to their student and communities and fulfills their charter contract? They do this by creating policies and procedures and working together with school leadership.

Each school board has at least one monthly meeting open to the public. Families and other community members are welcome to attend to listen or participate by giving a public comment.

Have something to say? Or just want to keep up on the latest school news? Look up when your next school board meeting is happening, grab a friend, and show up online or in-person to learn more about what’s going on in your school community.

• For Spokane Public Schools Authorized charter schools (Lumen High School and Pride Schools) please go here, then scroll down to find your school, and click on its Board Members & Schedule link.

• For all other charter schools, find your Commission Authorized school here, then click on the school page to find information about your school’s board meeting times and agendas.

Upcoming Community Events

King County Interagency Coordinating Council Meeting

Focus: Leaning Into Parent Advocacy

When: Monday, August 12th, 12:30 pm—Come at noon for snacks and community.

Where: Tukwila Community Center Social Hall, 12424 42nd Avenue S, Tukwila, WA 98168

WA Charter School Commission Meeting

When: Thursday, August 8th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Where: Puget Sound Educational Service District, 800 Oakesdale Ave SW, Renton, WA 98057

Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/86279997914 | Dial (646) 558-8656 | Meeting ID 8627 999 7914

Agenda & Materials will be posted here. Sign up to make a written or spoken public comment at this link.

Helpful End-of-Summer Reading

Is school starting soon for your student? EdNavigator has some back-to-school tips in their Busy Family’s Guide to School.

Still looking for a school that fits your child’s needs? Or are you trying to figure out if your current school is a good fit for your child and your family? Pick up a copy of the Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child’s School with Confidence through Amazon. The book focuses on the elementary years (K-6) but contains good questions and tips on communicating with school leaders and educators that can help all parents advocate well for their children in school.

Support Our Work When You Shop at Fred Meyer

We’re happy to share that you can now support our work when you shop at Fred Meyers (at no additional cost to you!) by linking your shopper rewards card to the Family Advocacy Board. Please visit the Fred Meyer Community Rewards page to link your card today. Thank you for your support!