- WA FAB Updates
- Posts
- October 2024
October 2024
We're not asking for a seat at the table. We're already here.
Carla Rogenmuser & Emily McLeod
October 29, 2024
What We’re Up To
As the season changes from summer to fall, we continue to seek out opportunities to connect with families. Did you know that WA FAB was founded by families of charter school students? We met on the playground at our children’s charter school and realized we shared a passion for amplifying parent voices and encouraging others to advocate for their own children. We saw a need to help other charter school families understand and navigate the charter school system and develop ways to communicate their needs with their school, so WA FAB was born! We represent three different charter schools in the Seattle and South Seattle area and are connected with families from almost all the charter schools in Washington State. We are passionate about connecting families with their school leaders, their school’s board of directors as well as to key players in the charter sector such as the WA State Charter School Commission and our partners, WA Charters.
If you are interested in learning more about what we do, reach out to us via our Connect with Us form.
Family Meeting Toolkit Preview
Carla and Emily have continued to work on the Family Meeting Toolkit in preparation for it to be launched. If you would like a preview of the materials, please reach out to Emily: [email protected]
Charter Sector News
Open Enrollment
The application windows for many charter schools across Washington state are opening during the month of October. We are highlighting two schools in South Seattle below with links to their application pages. Charter schools in Washington state are free, open-enrollment public schools that are open to all.
Rainier Prep
Rainier Prep in South Seattle has opened their application window. Do you know someone who will have a 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grader next school year? Applications for the 2025-2026 school year opened on October 1st. To apply, visit their student application page here.
Why Not You Academy
Why Not You Academy (WNYA) in Des Moines is accepting applications for the current school year as well as for the 2025-2026 school year. WNYA serves 9th - 12th grade students and they are hosting an Enrollment Open House on November 16th, open to anyone who would like to learn more about the school and apply in person. Please visit their website to apply. and see the flyer for their event here:
Commission Updates
The Commission appointed Marcus Harden as Executive Director of the Charter School Commission on September 17, 2024. Marcus has been in education for the last 24 years and brings a wealth of passion and experience that is an asset to the charter sector. Marcus is committed to bringing families, schools and the community together, so stay tuned for engaging events in the new year. Read Marcus’s bio as well as the bios of other staff members and Commissioners on the Commission’s website here.
Advocacy in Action: IEP & SPED Tips
Don’t wait for the annual IEP meeting to connect with your child’s team—schedule regular check-ins throughout the year to stay updated on progress and address any concerns early. After each check-in, jot down a few notes and send a quick email recap to the team, outlining key points and any agreed-upon next steps. This simple habit can help keep everyone aligned and create a shared record of your child’s progress.
Each month, we will feature a new tip from our IEP & SPED Advocate, Eric Willard. If you are in need of advice or advocacy, please reach out to him: [email protected]
Upcoming Community Events
College Unbound
After an incredibly successful launch in August, College Unbound is ready to expand is enrolling for Spring Semester (January 2025).
What is College Unbound? College Unbound is an accredited, non-profit college designed for adults ready to move up in the workforce and quickly earn their degree by earning free college credits for the knowledge they bring with them. With the flexibility of online classes and in person classes that meet in their community with people from their community, students can attend full time while continuing to work full time.
CU will be hosting virtual open houses every other Thursday at 12pm (register here) and 6pm (register here) through December.
WA Charters
Advocacy 201: How to Engage with Decision Makers
When: Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30pm
Where: Zoom: Use the following link to register: Advocacy 201
Advocacy 301: Legislative Session Run of Show
When: Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30pm
Where: Zoom: Use the following link to register: Advocacy 301
WA Charter School Commission Meeting
When: Thursday, October 10th
Where: (Hybrid) South Puget Sound Community College (Lacey Campus), 4220 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Dial: Dial (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 360 725 5511