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What's HOT the week of October 25, 2021

Poem

by Patacara

translated by Susan Murcott

When they plow their fields

and sow seeds in the earth,

when they care for their wives and children,

young brahmans find riches.

But I've done everything right

and followed the rules of my teacher.

I'm not lazy or proud.

Why haven't I found peace?

Bathing my feet

I watched the bathwater

spill down the slope.

I concentrated my mind

the way you train a good horse.

Then I took a lamp

and went into my cell,

checked the bed,

and sat down on it.

I took a needle

and pushed the wick down.

When the lamp went out

my mind was freed.

New In This Week's Dragon's Fire

• Please Remember to Vote
• Spirit Week Schedule
• Final 2021/22 Club Schedule
• 1st Quarter Ends Nov 4
• 11th Grade Graduation Requirements
• Planning for the World Language Graduation Requirement
• Seattle Promise Scholarships Applications Now Open
• Final District-Wide Deadline for AP Exam Registrations
• Update on SPS Vaccine Compliance
• Notes from the Oct 19 CSCA Board Meeting
• Watch the Oct 20 SPS Levy Presentation and School Board Position 4 Candidate's Forum
• New Items on the Bulletin Board

Please Remember to Vote!

Day is Tue, Nov 2. TCS falls within SPS District 4, which is open this election. Your vote affects our school. Seniors who are 18 are eligible to vote in this election as long as they register in time. Today (Mon, Oct 25) is the last day to register online. You can register to vote at the King County website (16 and 17 year olds can now preregister to vote and their registration will be held until their 18th birthday).

Final 2021/22 Club Schedule

1st Quarter Ends Nov 4

Now is the time to check in on your student's progress this quarter. Check your student's progress on Schoology or have a conversation with them about how their coursework is going. If your student seems to be having trouble completing assignments, reach out to their teacher and make a plan for getting work done. Planning and time management are emerging life skills in high school students. 9th and 10th graders in particular might need your help developing strategies such as planners, calendars, task lists, and alarms. Don't be surprised if your teen resists adopting tools, but keep nudging, suggesting, and supporting.

11th Grade Graduation Requirements

Now is the time to make sure your student is on track for graduation. Students need to meet requirements in the following areas:

• 24 credits minimum (with required classes)
• Graduation pathway
• High School and Beyond Plan (Naviance)
• Service Learning
• PE
• Washington State History

Last week Ms. Hayes and Mr. Rho visited 11th grade Language Arts classes to present to students on 2023 graduation requirements. Use the following tools to check your student's progress and start planning with your student:

• View the 11th Grade Graduation Plan slide show
• Read the 11th Grade Graduation presentation notes
• Read about Graduation Pathways below
• Set up your view only access to your student's Naviance account
• Check your student's progress toward graduation on The Source (including PE credits and Service Learning hours)
• Read about the Service Learning requirement and download the Seattle Schools Service-Learning Form and Reflection
• Read about the PE requirement and download the Alternative Physical Education Credit Form
• Email Ms. Hayes at mrhayes1@seattleschools.org if you have any questions about how your student is progressing toward graduation

Understanding Graduation Pathways

With Smarter Balance Assessments coming up on Nov 1 and 2, families need to understand graduation pathways in order to make informed decisions for their students. In addition to graduation requirements (the classes and credits students must take in order to graduate, which include PE and service learning), students must meet state requirements for one of three graduation pathways:

• Career/Technical Field
• Military Career Interest
• Postsecondary Education

If your student will be following the Postsecondary Education pathway, Smarter Balance Assessments are one way of fulfilling the English Language Arts and Math requirements. Other possible ways to fulfill that requirement include AP courses, SAT or ACT exams, or Running Start courses. Please plan carefully to avoid issues in your student's senior year. If you need help planning graduation pathway requirements, contact school counselor Ms. Hayes at mrhayes1@seattleschools.org. Seniors can discuss requirements for class of 2022 graduates during their October credit checks.

Read the OSPI explanation of graduation pathways here.

Planning for the World Language Graduation Requirement

Starting with the class of 2021, there is a graduation requirement of 2 credits of world language for most students. Meeting this requirement is also important for college readiness as many 4-year colleges have a world language admissions requirement (2 credits of the same world language). With its small course catalogue, TCS currently only offers Spanish. However, there are alternatives for students who are interested in studying another language or are already fluent in another language.

Alternative and Online Learning

For students looking for an alternative pathway for studying a world language, the State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction provides a Guide to Online Learning through the new Alternative Learning Department. Currently, Seattle Public Schools is not providing support for individual students to complete courses available through the OSPI Online Learning Course Catalogs. Families who would like to can register and pay for these courses on their own. If the students are seeking high school credit for such a course, they need to complete the Equivalency Course of Study Proposal form and obtain approval prior to registering for or beginning the course. The Equivalency Course of Study Proposal form can be requested from the school counselor and is used for online, Summer Running Start Courses, and college courses outside of school. Note that any courses that are approved through the Equivalency Course of Study Proposal appear on the transcript as Out of District (OOD) credits with a generic course title, such as “World Language.” The high school transcript would not indicate which language or which level was completed.

World Language Credit Testing

As an alternative, students who take out of district courses may prefer to complete Competency-Based World Language Credit Testing in our district, because these credits are entered on the high school transcript as course titles by language and level, and are more informative to colleges (or employers) looking at the student transcript. Students who plan to earn credits through World Language Credit Testing do not need to seek prior approval for any learning experiences outside of school that help them develop language skills and demonstrate that proficiency to qualify for credits. Credit testing is also an option for students who can already speak, read, and write a language other than English. Learn more at SPS International Education > World Language Credit Testing. Be sure to plan ahead because tests do fill up in advance.

Earn Service Learning Credits

All SPS high school students need 60 hours of service learning credit (unpaid) to graduate. Don't wait until your senior year to start accruing hours. Check out the service learning bulletin that Mr. Rho has put together and start earning your service credits now.

Senior Credit Checks

Our counselor, Ms. Hayes, will be meeting with seniors during the month of Oct to review their graduation requirements. Once students meet with Ms. Hayes, she will send home an email to senior families with information about their student's graduation progress. Ms. Hayes will be scheduling meetings with senior families who are not on track to graduate.

Read more about graduation requirements on the the SPS webpage.

Seattle Promise Scholarship Applications Now Open

Seattle Promise is a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018.

Seattle Promise has three core components:

1. Free tuition at any of the Seattle Colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College or South Seattle College for up to two years, 90 credits or a student's first degree, whichever comes first.
2. Equity scholarships, which provide flexible funding to students, for books, transportation, housing, etc. for those with financial need.
3. Student support and advising beginning in the junior year of high school and lasting through completion of a degree, certificate, credential or transfer to a four-year institution.

Applications are due by Feb 1. Apply here.

Final District-Wide Deadline for AP Exam Registrations

The final AP exam registration and ordering deadline for all SPS students for first semester and yearlong AP courses is Nov 5 by 5 pm. The fee is $103 per exam. Families must plan to pay the exam fees or make a plan for payment by Nov 5. Students who are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch should work with their school’s AP Coordinator to receive an exam fee waiver for 2022. No late registrations will be allowed for students currently enrolled in AP exams. All unused or cancelled AP exams will incur a $40 fee per exam. Additional information about AP exam schedule, registration, and fees is available on the SPS website.

Bulletins

Oct 18–22 Career Center Bulletin

SPS Oct & Nov Scholarship Bulletin

Update on SPS Vaccination Compliance

SPS reports that the overwhelming majority of its regular staff is in compliance with Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Of the 7,283 regular full-time SPS employees, 99% of staff is in compliance. This includes more than 99% of all teachers, 100% of all principals and 99% of management staff. A total of 205 employees have been granted a medical or religious exemption. Staff with exemptions will submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. “The vaccination rates of our employees reflect the tremendous dedication of our teachers and staff to student and community health and well-being,” said SPS Interim Superintendent Brent Jones.

Notes from the Oct 19 Board Meeting

Thanks to everyone who attended the Oct 19 board meeting.

• Dr. Casey provided us with a positive update about TCS. Our students have settled in and there has been a marked improvement in behavior since the Oct 7 Dragon's Fire appeal to parents. Thank you families for talking about and setting behavior expectations with your students.
• We have had no cases of COVID-19 at TCS since school started. Our students have been fantastic about masking and it shows.
• Thank you to all our new and continuing members!
• Keep an eye out for the CSCA direct drive which will take place Nov–Jan. This is our only big fundraiser besides our auction in the spring and your support helps us buy art supplies and curriculum supports, show appreciation for our teachers and staff, and put on events for our students.
• Mark your calendar for our Nov 16 general meeting where we'll discuss mental health and how to support our students with direct input from students on what they need.

Watch the Oct 20 SPS Levy Presentation and School Board Position 4 Candidate's Forum

Thanks to all who were able to make it to our special meeting Wed, Oct 20. Special thanks to Linda Sebring and Richard Best from the school district for explaining the upcoming school levy in Feb. Spoiler alert: vote YES to continue funding our schools! And thank you also to district 4 school board candidates, Laura Marie Rivera and Vivian Song Maritz for taking our student-submitted questions.

Read more about SPS's budget and budgeting process.

Learn more about the SPS Board candidates.

TCS students, show off your creativity and skill! Reflections is an annual competition put on by the national PTA. This year's theme is "I will change the world by ...". Students have the opportunity to win and move on to state and even national competition. Students can enter in one or more of the following categories (follow the links to read the rules for each category):

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts (2D and 3D)

Entry deadline is Wed, Nov 3 by 5 pm. Entries should be submitted digitally using the electronic entry form, which will be available soon. If you need help photographing 2D or 3D art, please contact Reflections Chair, Monica Payson, at monica@paysley.net. Please also reach out for help with artist's statements, supplies, entry forms, and general support.

Teens & Social Anxiety: Returning to School is Hard

We all waited so long for in-person school to start again. We wanted our kids back with their peers, learning yes, but also goofing off and hanging out as only teens do. But going back to school hasn't been so easy. Eighteen months of Zoom school and social isolation have taken their toll on social development for many teens. Schools are reporting more behavioral issues and teens are self-reporting difficulty connecting with peers and focusing at school. If you're noticing that your student is experiencing social anxiety that didn't exist before or seems more withdrawn or tired after a day at school, you're not alone. Readjusting to in-person school is hard for many kids. Check out the articles below for some perspective and ideas, remember that the school has resources if you feel your student needs additional support.

• 5 Ways to Cope With Social Anxiety
• The COVID-19 Cycle: Social Anxiety and Withdrawal in School-Aged Kids and Teens
• Easing Back-to-School Anxiety in the COVID Era

The Bulletin Board section publishes information about art, photography, film, theater, writing, and other programs and competitions outside of TCS that might be of benefit and interest to our students. If you know of an opportunity that our students might want to hear about, contact the Dragon's Fire at dfsubmitarticle1@gmail.com.

Deconstructing the Superhero

Epic Youth Programs presents a teen

writing workshop with Ebo Barton.

Sat, Nov 6, Noon –1:30 pm via Zoom

Free to local teens

Using the Superhero as a metaphor for our group discussions, we’ll write poems, tell personal stories and discover different parts of our stories with different elements of a Superhero: masks, villains, sidekicks, superpowers etc.

Ebo Barton is a genderqueer Black and Filipino poet and artist. They are a six-time finalist of the Seattle Poetry Slam Grand Slam. In 2016, they placed 5th in the World at the Individual World Poetry Slam. Their 2021 debut poetry collection, Insubordinate was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist in the Poetry Category. A leader in arts and activism, Ebo is committed to creating opportunities for others to organize, heal and rejoice. Follow them on Instagram ebobarton.

Register here.

NOAA West Photography Contest

To enhance our understanding of the diverse ways climate change impacts people and places in the Western United States, NOAA West is asking students in grades 5 through 12 for photo submissions showcasing what climate change means to you.

Winning photos will be featured next Spring (2022) on the NOAA Western Region website in conjunction with responses developed by NOAA's climate experts.

Each entry must include a photograph showcasing an example of climate change or an impact of climate change in the western United States, as well as a 3-5 sentence description of the climate change or impact, from your perspective. Entries will be judged on the photo's impact, creativity and relevance to the theme, and the written description (grade appropriate).

Deadline for submissions is Nov 15. Read more and register here.

True Colors' Next Narrative Monologue CompetitionTM

NNMC) features newly created works from fifty of America's leading contemporary Black playwrights that engage students of all backgrounds in artful exploration of 21st century themes, while instilling confidence in all to find their voices.

Founded by True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, the NNMC mission is to celebrate the rich tradition of Black storytelling while giving voice to bold artists of all cultures. This Black storytelling lens is not exclusionary, but provides an inclusive portal to new worlds and the truths therein.

In each participating region, students progress through three competition rounds: Preliminaries, Semi-Finals, and Regional Finals. Then, the top two winners from each regional competition participate in the National Finals, receiving an all-expense-paid trip to New York City that includes workshops with theater professionals, tickets to a Broadway show, the chance to win a cash prize, and more!

Register here.

Lingering in the Lobby: A Study About Teens and Highbrow Culture

Hello! Thanks so much for your interest in being interviewed for my study! Below is a bit more information about my research—if you're still interested, please leave your contact information and I'll reach out to schedule an interview. I can't wait to speak with you soon!

Study Number: IRB21-1274

Study Title: Lingering in the Lobby: Teenagers and Highbrow Culture

Researcher(s): Anne Lim, under advisory by Dr. John Levi Martin

Purpose: We are conducting this study to learn more about how teenagers experience highbrow arts institutions like the opera, symphony, or ballet. More generally, we are interested learning about what shapes the cultural taste of teenagers and how teenagers learn to adapt to the specific environments of various arts spaces.

Procedures and Time Required: You will be asked to participate in one 45-minute interview over Zoom or in person. With your permission, the interviews will be audio-recorded.

Risks and Benefits: Your participation in this study does not involve any risk to you beyond that of everyday life. Taking part in this research study may not benefit you personally, but we may learn insights into how teenagers interact with the arts that may benefit arts accessibility work.

Listings in the Bulletin Board section for any specific commercial or organizational product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by The Center School or the CSCA.

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