from Let America Be America Again, 1935

by Langston Hughs

New in this week's Dragon's Fire

From Mr. Alex's AP art class.

We are so excited about 2021 at TCS! While this is the time of year when we normally gear up for our big annual community event, the Center School Auction, we all know that large gatherings are a no-go these days. But we also know that our students are relying on us to fundraise so we can enrich their high school experience. Our students are working hard, and we are not going to let them down!

There may be a pandemic, but the Auction Team has gotten creative. We're planning some community celebrations and fundraising events, and we need volunteers. There are lots of ways to help. Can you help us plan an event? Can you host an event? Can you provide supplies or make a donation so we can buy the supplies for an event? Do you have a fundraising idea you’d like to share with us?

Here are some of the ideas we're considering:

Do any of these sound intriguing? Want more info on how you can help, in ways big or small? Email Rosina at RosinaAuction@gmail.com.

And finally, in the past we have been able to offer a weekend or even a week in a vacation home as an auction item. In 2021, many families will be looking forward to a safe change of scenery when that is possible. If you have a vacation home available for a weekend or a week, please email Angie at auctionprocurementtcs@gmail.com.

It's hard to parent our teens under the best of circumstances. It can be downright baffling in a pandemic. Deborah Farmer Kris's article provides some much-needed perspective on the best ways to be there for our kids right now. Her advice includes:

Kris goes into depth on each of these topics, providing information on why they work and tips on how to implement them. Read the full article.

The end of first semester is right around the corner (Jan 27). Students, if you are receiving below a C- in any of your classes, please communicate with your teachers for support in raising your grade. Any grades below a C- at the end of the semester will be converted to an “I” for Incomplete. Students will have one semester to work with their teacher to create a learning plan outlining the expectations to change the “I” to a letter grade above a C-. If students do not fulfill the expectations of the learning plan after one semester, then the “I” will remain on their transcript, and they will not be able to convert the “I” to a letter grade. Parents can assist their students with being successful by helping create a daily schedule for class time, homework, leisure, and sleep. Thu, Jan 28 is a day off. Second semester begins Fri, Jan 29.

Tenth and Eleventh graders, if you are interested in Running Start for the 2021–2022 school year, please attend the Running Start Information Meeting via Teams on Wed, Mar 10 at 12:30 pm to learn about the program and the application process. Parents are welcome to attend.

Stay up to date on the latest career readiness opportunities on Mr. Rho's announcement page. We reprint much of this information in the DF, but it's all there in one place and regularly updated on the website.

Interact is a service club for youth ages 12—18 who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their communities and learning about the world. Clubs, which meet at least twice a month, are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Interact Club is an excellent way to get involved in your local community while completing your 60 service hours required for graduation. Join us on Mon, Feb 1 at 12:30 pm via Teams to learn more.

We know TCS is a hidden treasure, but we have to help Seattle families find us! Because TCS is a choice school, our open houses are critical to recruiting the students we need for each incoming class. Virtual open houses will be held Jan 20 and 25, 6–6:30 pm for students and 7–7:30 pm for families. Please spread the word and forward the flyer to friends and family whose students might like to know about TCS!

Each year TCS provides students with a Student Handbook that is included in the student planner. This year TCS opted to forgo the planner but has been working on other ways to provide students with access to an up-to-date handbook. Dr. Casey has been revising the Student Handbook as school policies and procedures have been adjusted for COVID-19 response. When revisions are complete, the TCS Student Handbook will be posted on the TCS website as well as on the Source and Schoology. We'll let you know when that happens.

Seattle Public Schools is committed to building a Black Education Program in response to the insights and asks of Black students, families, and community across SPS. This program will be for student credit and will be led by SPS’s community partners and staff across departments. SPS has developed a Black Studies US History A and B course that we will begin offering second semester of the 2020-21 school year. The course will focus on the Black/African American experience from a national and global perspective. This includes, but is not limited to African History, American History, Critical Race Theory, American Enslavement, Black/African American-led social movement, Black/African American social autonomy and economic development, Black/African American Innovation, as well as Black/African American leadership nationally and globally.

This course will count for the 11th grade US history requirement. The second semester course will be a district-wide offering that will be available before school (0-period) or after-school (8th period). It will count for US History 11B and we will prioritize enrollment for interested students who need to meet that credit. Online registration for the second semester course is open now. Priority will be given to 11th graders who respond first. Read the Black Studies FAQ.

For more information contact Manal Al-ansi at maalansi@seattleschools.org and Caleb Perkins at cbperkins@seattleschools.org.

SPS is facing turnover in two key leadership positions:

Seniors, please join the Seattle Promise student panel Jan 22 during Mr. Greenberg's MASH (1–2 pm). You’ll meet former TCS students and hear their experiences as Seattle Promise students. We will also be having workshops on completing the Seattle Promise Application and Admission Application before the Feb 1 deadline.

Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (DO- IT) Scholars prepares Washington State high school students with disabilities for success in college and careers. Scholars attend summer study sessions, held during three consecutive summers at the UW campus. This allows students to experience college life and work on self-advocacy skills. Throughout the school year, students connect with program staff, DO-IT Mentors, and each other using email and e-lists. They also meet in-person at DO-IT events, complete individual and group projects, and receive valuable information and support for the transition to college. NNL is currently recruiting students for year-round programming and the upcoming summer camp in 2021. High school students (and their parents) who are interested in participating can contact Scott Bellman for more information.

Boeing is offering two virtual internships and fellowships for students 16 years or older:

The application deadline for both programs is Feb 28. Questions? Contact Erin LaRue at erin.a.larue@boeing.com.

Find inspiration, plan for college, and empower your future with Microsoft's High School Program. Get hands-on experience and on-the-job learning as you work on technology projects that make a difference in people's lives around the world. Starting in Jan, the Microsoft High School Internship is open to current high school students who live within 50 miles of Redmond, WA and have a demonstrated interest in technology. Students must be at least 16 years old and have a legal right to work in the US for the duration of the internship. Applicants should be available to work full-time (paid) for 10 consecutive weeks (Jun 22–Aug 28, 2020). More information and application.

ISB is offering 8-week, paid summer research internships for rising seniors (juniors) to learn complete systems of biology research and work with many specialists. Interns will be directly involved in a variety of projects, using many types of technology and techniques, while gaining valuable microbiology, engineering, and computational experience. If you are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and the practice of systems biology and systems thinking, get more information and apply.

January Scholarship Bulletin is here! There are a variety of scholarship opportunities.

In addition to its own service learning program for high school students, the Seattle Public Library provides a list of other organizations providing service learning opportunities. If your teen is searching for volunteer opportunities, check out SPL's list.

Open to teens ages 15–18 in the greater Seattle area. Students will learn radio journalism and storytelling skills, build confidence, and work with others while creating a radio story about a person in their home or community. Read more and apply.

Thinking about taking a gap year and wondering what your gap year program options are for 2021? Join us Jan 23, 2021, 9:30 am–noon for a combined webinar and virtual gap year fair to get the most up to date information about gap year basics, how the gap year field has adapted to COVID, tips for researching and planning your gap year, navigating the college deferral process, and which programs are accepting applications this year. Register.

Join youth and environmental professionals across Puget Sound to discuss environmental issues such as climate change, waste reduction, natural resource benefits and management, marine health, and more! Share your ideas and learn from others in this interactive conference. This event is open to youth in grades 8 to 12. Event is Jan 20, 1—3:45 pm. Register by Jan 15. Read more and register.

YESC is launching an Art Series starting this month that will continue until June! Each month will have a different creative focus including drawing and painting, nature photography, videography, and nature art (art created using natural materials). January is dedicated to nature journaling! Join us to create your own journal using some recycled materials and share ideas about how to use it. This month's event will be held Jan 13, 4—5:15 pm. Read more and register.

YGB is hosting a virtual workshop and mentoring on Feb 6, 11 am—3 pm. The conference is for African American high school students with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The purpose is to promote positive self-esteem, social consciousness, and cultural awareness, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of higher education. UW faculty and staff work to connect with students and provide them with the resources they need to pursue the goal of higher education. Read more and apply.

Join Larry Davis and Steve Gill for a webinar focusing on what you can do as an advocate for your student in these unusual times. Key areas of this presentation will be:

COVID-19 has affected Seattle residents in many ways. Many people, including older adults and families, are facing tough times due to job loss. The City of Seattle can help people who are struggling to pay their electricity and utilities bills. Read more.

Seattle Public Library has retooled itself as a robust online community resource. Check out its many offerings for high school students, including academic support, projects, learning guides, and mental health resources.

The Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington sponsors a five-day YSP-REACH program on the Seattle Campus during the summer. The goal is to provide students with exposure to the field of neural engineering and provide basic preparation for college studies in STEM subjects as well as future STEM careers. High school students receive an introduction to neuroscience and neural engineering, neuroethics, scientific communication, and the latest developments in brain-computer interfaces.

Planned dates for summer 2021 are Aug 2–6. If the program is held in-person, the cost will be $500/student. If the program is held online, the cost will be $100/student. Scholarships to cover the costs for some students will be available. Application for the 2021 summer program is now available. Application deadline is Mar 1, 2021.