Math Adoption Revolt Emails

From: Whitworth, Kim
To: Libros, Tracy

Subject: Re: Wedgwood Spectrum Waiting List
Date: Tuesday, J une 10, 2014 7:13:11 PM
And thank you for everything. I truly hope you are going on to something wonderful and that there are
palm trees involved.
Best,
KW
From: <Libros>, Tracy <trlibros@seattleschools.org>
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 6:20 PM
To: SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Wedgwood Spectrum Waiting List

There are 54 gen ed and 14 Spectrum assigned to Wedgwood grade 3. The first five students on the
Spectrum waiting list are already assigned to Wedgwood gen ed.

I dont know if it would mess up walk to math, but Im wondering if it would make sense to move
those 5 students from gen ed to Spectrum since wont they be doing walk to math anyway?

Your call let me know.
To: Libros, Tracy
Cc: Lowe, David M; Castaneda, Tino A; Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Re: Wedgwood Spectrum Waiting List
I'm going to take a stab at this and then have Tino and David weigh in. I say if they are truly Spectrum we
keep them in Gen Ed and serve them at the appropriate levels for reading and math. If they are APP, we
move them to Spectrum category so they can continue with their APP (ALO) status if need be when it
comes time for high school where priority enrollment at Garfield and Ingraham are an issue. Thoughts?
KW
From: <Libros>, Tracy <trlibros@seattleschools.org>
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 6:20 PM
Subject: Wedgwood Spectrum Waiting List

There are 54 gen ed and 14 Spectrum assigned to Wedgwood grade 3. The first five students on the
Spectrum waiting list are already assigned to Wedgwood gen ed.

I dont know if it would mess up walk to math, but Im wondering if it would make sense to move
those 5 students from gen ed to Spectrum since wont they be doing walk to math anyway?

Your call let me know.
From: Darcie Kline
To: Sammons, RJ ; SchoolBoard; Peaslee, Sharon D; Banda, J ose L; J oan Sias; Rick Burke
Cc: Cox, J ulie A; Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: North Beach Adopts New Math Program
R.J . Sammons,
I see you informed the staff but at any time did you inform the parents? Where are we in this
equation when a decision is made that so directly affects our children's minds and future?
Darcie Kline
On 6/10/2014 12:52 PM, Sammons, RJ wrote:
Hi Darcie, my email notification to our families referenced a whole staff vote
(certificated teachers and classified employees) not a vote of our BLT. Our BLT
reviewed the math curriculum options at one of our on-site locations on April 25
th
.
Our BLT, which includes a parent/community member submitted the following
statement to the North Beach staff: Given our review of the math adoption
materials, the BLT supports going along with the districts adoption and not
renewing our waiver for Saxon. You can review the rest of our BLT minutes
HERE

I have included below a portion of an email from our Superintendent. This shift
in our math program directly relates to our districtwide need of instructional and
curricular alignment. Our staff is excited about this shift-hence our unanimous
vote to approve. We are also excited about the opportunity to participate in on-
going professional development and to share and absorb best practice strategies
from across our district which Saxon has not allowed us to do.

A portion of a statement from our Superintendent:
I know many of us are frustrated about the process. I want to thank you
for your patience and support during the past week. Given the short
timeframe and the need for consistency in our District, I must ask you to
support the adopted Math in Focus program for the fall. We will provide
the funding to fully implement the program and also ensure aligned
professional development

Sincerely, RJ Sammons

From: Darcie Kline [mailto:kline.darcie@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, J une 09, 2014 8:04 PM
To: Sammons, RJ ; SchoolBoard; Peaslee, Sharon D; Banda, J ose L; J oan Sias; Rick Burke
Subject: Re: North Beach Adopts New Math Program

R.J . Sammons,
Who was in attendance at the BLT meeting today? It is my understanding that the
School Board is specifically interested in community engagement in the math
adoption. I have never received any out reach from the school to the parents and
guardians on the issue of math adoption for North Beach.
Math in Focus was the better choice offered by the district but it is still inferior to
Saxon. Why not continue with a superior math curriculum? IN OTHER WORDS,
if it's not broken don't fix it.
North Beach has a 13 year legacy using Saxon math. I find it hard to believe the
North Beach community would take this saucy email from you lightly.
If I am wrong about the NB community, so be it. But please clarify who and how
this decision was made?
Sincerely,
Darcie Kline
On J un 9, 2014 5:19 PM, "RJ Sammons" <rjsammons@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
Hello North Beach families, today we voted unanimously to adopt Math
in Focus, our districts newly announced math curriculum. This is a big
and exciting step forward for our learning community! There is no
doubt that there will be questions about this shift which we will do our
best to answer them over this closing week before summer. Please
realize that we will continue to focus our instructional program on
doing what is best for our students and communicate that to you along
this process. I want to thank our BLT for showing true leadership in
reviewing and evaluating this new curriculum shift! We have another
meeting scheduled for June 17
th
where we will focus on our next steps.
I will also continue to work closely with Julie Cox to communicate our
next steps to our community as we collaboratively develop our
instructional plan for the 2014-2015 school year.
RJ Sammons
Still your proud Principal

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From: Schultz, Nicholas J
To: Pritchett, Sarah J
Subject: Montlake
Sarah,

I am one of the teachers at Montlake and I wanted to take this opportunity to voice a major
concern that affects our building for possible years to come. Claudia, against the advisement of the
tech team made up of teachers and the IT department, has put in a work order to dismantle the
computer lab to make room for another teacher. According to our numbers it isnt needed and a
time teacher could instruct in the library.

Math has been taught in the library for more than the eight years I have been at Montlake. This
year we have been faced with numerous struggles not having a functioning lab due to moving
items around to put a music program in the space. We have 4 classrooms and a tutor fighting over
the 20 laptops we do have. The tech team put together a plan to use refurbished desktops that
were donated to the district which would put our lab back online. This would be done at no cost
and wouldnt hurt our building the next time we get the opportunity to put money into the lab.
This needs to be done in order to keep up with all the online testing and meeting common core
standards.

Our librarian was also given a .2 FTE addition to collaborate with teachers to incorporate
technology into our lessons. How are we going to do that without the use of computers? Claudias
hope is that by getting rid of the lab, the district will be forced to supply us with laptops to
complete required testing. I dont knock down a wall in hopes that my buildings owner will put in
a new window. We have tried to discuss possible solutions, but she has gone ahead with the
paperwork anyway. Im afraid that she will be gone and we will come back to another
dysfunctional year due to this decision. What can we do?

Nick Schultz
Montlake Elementary
Room 9

From: Helm, Christine M
To: Heath, Shauna L; Tolley, Michael F; Pritchett, Sarah J
Subject: Thurgood Marshall enVision Waiver
Importance: High
Hi Shauna,

My community is waiting to hear from me about the Math Adoption and how it is affecting Thurgood
Marshall. Last week I sent an email to my teachers asking if they wanted to meet to discuss the new
Math Adoption or if they wanted to stay the course implementing enVision Math. They unanimously
responded in favor of staying with enVision and our increased achievement in MAP data supports this
decision.

Our waiver is valid for another year and you have said that you will purchase the 2015 version of
enVision for Thurgood Marshall this summer.

I believe that the parent and teaching community at Thurgood Marshall will be relieved and grateful that
we can move forward with enVision next year. However, they will quickly be wondering what our options
will be after that. I would really like to get some announcement out to my families today. What should I
say to them?

Thank you,
Christine Helm
Interim Principal Thurgood Marshall Elementary
From: Halfaker, J on
To: Ota, Michelle
Subject: RE: pd in August
So further insight tells me that the 27
th
will be a Math PD day for elementary and K8 staff. The 26
th
is a building directed TRI day, but I dont believe classified staff have to report for it or for the 27
th
.
The last day, the 28
th
is building directed, and also includes classified staff.
Clear?

Jon Halfaker
Executive Director of Northwest Region Schools
Seattle Public Schools

From: Ota, Michelle
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: pd in August

Jon,
As I plan for next year is it safe for me to begin hiring and solidifying PD for 8/26, 8/28 and 9/2?

It looks like the 27
th
is a district day correct?

Michelle Ota
Principal, Viewlands Elementary
252-4400
"Every child known, inspired, challenged and empowered"

From: Thompson, Awnie
Subject: Noteworthy
Date: Tuesday, J une 10, 2014 10:48:34 AM
Two of the four elementary schools highlighted for growth in math with African American students have worked
with Zeno for years.
Sent from my iPhone
From: Aramaki, Kelly
To: Carr, Sherry L; Tolley, Michael F
Subject: RE: Principals" Association vote on math adoption
Date: Tuesday, J une 10, 2014 7:36:05 AM
Hi Sherry,
I'm on it. Thanks for the feedback on this.
Kelly
-----Original Message-----
From: Carr, Sherry L
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 5:51 AM
To: Aramaki, Kelly; Tolley, Michael F
Subject: FW: Principals' Association vote on math adoption
Kelly and Michael,
Will someone be providing her some coaching? How can we ever have a leadership structure that is aligned behind
one plan with one of our principals communicating in this way? We all chose to either be part of the problem or
part of the solution. This note was divisive and not helpful in the least.
SC
From: Hunter, Patricia
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2014 1:48 PM
To: 'JvA'
Cc: SchoolBoard; Aramaki, Kelly; !Maple Allstaff; Kischner, Gerrit
Subject: RE: Principals' Association vote on math adoption
Hi Ms. Van Arcken,
Thank you for your insightful email expressing your concerns over the new elementary school math adoption. I have
expressed my opinion to be that we should have one district wide math curriculum, which I think is especially
important for the diverse population that we serve at Maple School. I believe that this base curriculum is especially
important for our most struggling students who often times are also very transient. It would be most helpful to them
to have continuity when they move from school to school. Beyond that, I do not believe that a curriculum makes a
school/district great. Success is based upon the quality of teaching and leadership in a school/district. At Maple we
always have, and will continue to teach children, not materials. Curricula is a means to an end. High caliber
teachers are skilled in finding curricula supports to teach our diverse populations which is centered around the base
adoption. That is our expectation and The Maple Way.
In my opinion we have reached this fiasco over the math adoption, not because one curricula is head and shoulders
better than another, but due to a lack of leadership. SPS continues to be a reactive rather than a proactive system.
That is not The Maple Way. We will continue to make decisions that are in our students' best interests and refrain
from unnecessarily dragging them into political discourse.
I hope that this addresses your concerns. If not, please set up a time when we can talk in person to discuss these
issues.
Thank again.
Sincerely,
Pat
Patricia Hunter
Principal
Maple Elementary
4925 Corson Avenue South
Seattle, WA. 98108
206-252-8310
From: JvA [mailto:julievanarcken@gmail.com]
To: Hunter, Patricia
Cc: SchoolBoard; Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: Principals' Association vote on math adoption
Hi, Mrs. Hunter. My daughter is a kindergartener at Maple, and I'm writing to express my concern about what I've
heard about the math adoption process.
As I understand it (from a mail from the Stevens principal), district Executive Directors have asked the Principals
Association to vote as a collective unit to apply for a mass waiver to use the enVision curriculum instead of the
board-approved Math in Focus curriculum. As I understand it, such a vote would essentially force all K-5 schools to
use the enVision curriculum. I'm unclear on how the success of a mass waiver would be evaluated after 3 years,
since no peer schools would be using the standard curriculum. Unless schools needed to submit a waiver to not be
subject to the mass waiver? It's very confusing.
Anyway, I ask that you please proceed with whatever choice you feel is right for Maple. But please do not vote for a
mass waiver, preventing other schools from receiving the board-approved curriculum. Waivers should be applied
for on an individual basis only, based on what is right for the school. Please do not help the district make a farce of
the waiver submission process.
Thank you,
Julie van Arcken
Maple parent
From: Zella Ozretich
To: Ayer, Erika J
Cc: Daniel Bagley V-list; SchoolBoard; !Bagley Allstaff; Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: Math curriculum adoption at Daniel Bagley - please support the choice made by the school board
Date: Monday, J une 09, 2014 9:24:19 PM
Thank you very much for your thoughtful response.
Zella Ozretich
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 9, 2014, at 9:15 PM, "Ayer, Erika J" <ejayer@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> Zelia,
> Thank you for your email and your thoughts on the math adoption. As the president-elect for the elementary
component of the Principals Association of Seattle Schools (PASS), I have been deeply involved in the discussions
with other elementary principals regarding the boards decision last week to select Math In Focus as the adopted
mathematics text books for next year. Over the last few days the principals have been engaged in heavy debate
about the best choice for our students and schools. Today I met with other PASS executive board members,
Executive Directors of schools as well as Mr. Banda and the senior leadership team. While it seems that we are all
frustrated and disappointed that the math adoption committees first recommendation, enVision15, was not the
adopted text book choice, we recognize that an aligned text book adoption across the school district is in the best
interest of all students. Today Mr. Banda sent a letter to principals indicating he encourages all principals and
buildings utilize the text books adopted by the school board. He also indicated that one key factor in determining a
waiver request is "keeping a single set of instructional materials throughout the district as the best way to serve our
students. I stand behind Mr. Bandas statement and will not pursue an adoption other than Math In Focus as a way
to ensure an equitable program for all students in Seattle Public Schools. That being said, our Montessori
mathematics waiver was approved before the boards decision and will continue to be honored. Our Contemporary
classrooms will use Math In Focus next year and Montessori will continue to use the Montessori Scope and
sequence for mathematics.
>
> Thank you again for your email and concern for our students.
> Erika
>
> From: zella ozretich <zella917@yahoo.com<mailto:zella917@yahoo.com>>
> Reply-To: zella ozretich <zella917@yahoo.com<mailto:zella917@yahoo.com>>
> Date: Monday, June 9, 2014 at 9:20 AM
> To: "Ayer, Erika J" <ejayer@seattleschools.org<mailto:ejayer@seattleschools.org>>, Daniel Bagley V-list
<daniel-bagley-families@vlists.net<mailto:daniel-bagley-families@vlists.net>>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org<mailto:SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>>
> Subject: Math curriculum adoption at Daniel Bagley - please support the choice made by the school board
>
> Hi all,
> I'm writing in support of adopting the school board approved new math curriculum, Math in Focus, for our school
Daniel Bagley Elementary. I am hearing that many schools are requesting a waiver to choose the staff
recommended Envision math program instead, and that waivers must be requested by June 10th. I don't know
where our staff and building are leaning on this decision, but wanted to let my opinion be known and encourage
other Bagley parents to weigh in as well. I am confident that the school board did their research on this topic and
that Math in Focus will be the most effective curriculum for our students, and hope that is the choice that is made.
> Thank you,
> Zella Ozretich
From: kczut
To: Is Vela; Kelly Aramaki; J on Halfaker; Sarah J Pritchett
Subject: [Possible SPAM] Fwd: Math adoption: moving forward
Importance: Low
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Gerrit Kischner <gkischner@gmail.com>
Date: June 9, 2014 at 7:52:13 PM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Math adoption: moving forward
Dear PASS Members,
Before tomorrow's DLT meeting, I want to provide a further update on PASS's
position regarding the elementary math adoption. Today, I was able to consult
with many of you, and this morning I met with David Dockendorf, Erika Ayer,
Vicki Sacco and Joanne Bowers in order to ensure we were coordinating our
message and sending a clear sense about the interest of school leaders in the
midst of this decision. Later, we were included in meetings with the EDS team
and the Superintendent's cabinet, and we are grateful that they took the time to
make sure they were addressing principals' concerns. We are confident that we
have a clear direction moving forward as a District.
PASS stands firmly in support of Superintendent Banda's commitment to ensure a
single, unified adoption of Math in Focus, consistent with the School Board's
decision last week. We support this decision because it meets all the
requirements for a strong, coherent, systemic implementation that we laid out in
our May 23rd letter. While the final outcome is different than the
recommendation from the Math Adoption Committee, we know that we will have
a successful adoption precisely because of their careful work that took issues of
Common Core alignment, differentiation of materials, and coherent
implementation so seriously. The work of the MAC has built our capacity as a
district to raise the level of math instruction to meet the needs of all students in
our system, and we honor their great accomplishment.
Throughout the recent weeks, principals and assistant principals have been in a
critical position to provide instructional leadership for their schools. With many
mixed signals at times, this has not been easy, and we know you have had a few
other things on your plates at the same time. School leaders have risen to this
occasion, as they do, by giving voice to to all of our communities, especially
those whose voices may not be as strong, or as easily heard, as others. Our
schools and our students are strong because of your leadership.
Moving forward, the commitment of school leaders to support a strong
implementation of Math in Focus will be critical to the success of our students.
That is not to say the success of Math in Focus -- we all know that the complex
task of teaching is far greater than any set of materials -- but the success of the
next phase of math instruction throughout Seattle Public Schools. This is what
we have heard recently from the Highline School District, for example, where
they said that principal support and investment has been central to their success
with Math in Focus. You can count on PASS to support you in meeting your
building's needs moving forward.
Best wishes, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Gerrit
From: Castaneda, Tino A
To: Heath, Shauna L; Tolley, Michael F
Cc: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Funding for enVision Waiver
Michael and Shauna,
The staff at Wedgwood where I am interim principal believes that enVision will be best for their students
and are still interested in pursuing a waiver. I need to know as soon as possible if funds for enVision
Math materials and professional development will still be provided by the district, given the
Superintendent's email sent today regarding the adoption of Math in Focus, so that I can support the staff
at Wedgwood to make an informed decision.
Thank you,
Tino
Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
Wedgwood Elementary
tacastaneda@seattleschools.org
(206) 252-5670
Sent: Friday, J une 06, 2014 10:17 AM
To: Castaneda, Tino A
Subject: Fwd: math adoption
Sent from my iPhone
From: "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>
Date: June 6, 2014 at 9:42:26 AM PDT
To: "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>
Subject: RE: math adoption
Kim,
Michael will send this to the entire group, but you can share with Tino.
"The District will provide funds to effectively implement any waivers that are
approved."
Best,
Shauna
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 9:41 AM
To: Heath, Shauna L; Castaneda, Tino A
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J; Whitworth, Kim; Vela,
Israel; Halfaker, Jon
Subject: Re: math adoption
I need to clarify, only the schools who currently have a waiver and are using
enVision math will have district funds? So, schools who currently don't have a
waiver and are not using enVision will have to come up with the funds on their
own?
KW
On 6/6/14 9:21 AM, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Tino,
Per your phone call:
As you may know the SPS School Board adopted MiF tonight. We
wanted to
make you aware that within the amendment schools that have an
existing
waiver may continue to use alternative instructional materials and
funding will be provided to purchase materials. In addition, those
schools that have been using an alternative instructional material,
including enVision and Go Math, may submit a waiver with the
expectation that it will be fully funded.
If you intend to use a material other than Math in Focus the waiver
must be to your Executive Director by by June 10 close of business
for
the purchase to be made by start of school. If we do not receive your
waiver by that time Math in Focus will be ordered for your building.
The requirements of the waiver are below. Please note if you are
requesting a waiver to use enVision or Go Math you will only need to

respond to questions 2 and 3 as the others have been communicated
through the adoption process.
1. Include evidence that the proposed alternative basic instructional
material meets district and state standards, and is research and
evidence based; and
2. Clearly state the rationale for using different materials and
explain
how the requested materials will both raise overall achievement and
close the achievement gap; and
3. Indicate how the school staff and community has been involved
in
making the recommendation to use alternative basic instructional
materials, including information on how the school-based decision
matrix was used in this process and evidence that staff have agreed to

implement the alternative materials fully; and
4. Indicate how the waiver materials will be rolled out school-wide,
including the professional development plan; and
5. Identify district, school-based, or grant, or other funding that will
be used to support the purchase, upkeep, training and on-going
professional development on these materials Please do not hesitate to
contact me if you have any questions.
Best,
Shauna
To: Heath, Shauna L
Subject: FW: math adoption
Shauna,
I just took over at the beginning of May for Chris Cronas as interim
principal at Wedgwood. Can you please inform me on the waiver
process
to apply for a waiver to use enVision Math? Most immediately it
would
be helpful to know the deadline for the waiver.
Thanks,
Tino
Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
Wedgwood Elementary School
(206) 252-5670
To: Lowe, David M; Castaneda, Tino A
Subject: math adoption
Hi there--
I would get the elementary teachers together and let them know what
is
happening. It's important that they are all giving their input about
which math curriculum they prefer. Tino if you could share past
emails
with David I will try to make sure he's included in the future.
Please review the curriculum waiver process and ask Shauna Heath
any
questions about that.
Best,
KW
Sent from my iPad
From: Starosky, Michael
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Re: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math adoption and waiver
Importance: High
Yep
From: <Whitworth>, Kim <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Date: Monday, June 9, 2014 at 7:37 PM
To: SPS <mpstarosky@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math adoption and waiver
From: <Whitworth>, SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 6:33 PM
To: Treena Sterk <tksterk@seattleschools.org>, Sherri Kokx <skkokx@seattleschools.org>, Joanne
Bowers <jbowers@seattleschools.org>, Debbie Nelsen <dnelsen@seattleschools.org>, Kathy Jolly
<kmjolly@seattleschools.org>, Jill Hudson <jshudson@seattleschools.org>, "Jenkins, Zoe"
<zjenkins@seattleschools.org>, Helen Joung <hhjoung@seattleschools.org>, Sandra Powell
<scpowell@seattleschools.org>, Roy Merca <rmerca@seattleschools.org>, Brian Vance
<brvance@seattleschools.org>, Barry Dorsey <bdorsey@seattleschools.org>, Dan Warren
<djwarren@seattleschools.org>, John Miner <jminer@seattleschools.org>, Chris Scott
<cescott@seattleschools.org>, Terri Skjei <tskjei@seattleschools.org>, Dan Sanger
<dksanger@seattleschools.org>, Sara Mirabueno <srmirabueno@seattleschools.org>, SPS
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Montgomery, Paula" <plmontgomery@seattleschools.org>,
"Castaneda, Tino A" <tacastaneda@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, SPS
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math adoption and waiver
Dear Principals--
We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience. There are many of you who
are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math. The EDS's strongly believe that a common curriculum
throughout the District is vital for student learning and equity.
We are asking that the elementary component of the Principal corp come to consensus on a preference
for a math curriculum and either write a waiver to implement enVision Math or take the board's decision
and implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a single curriculum by either
accepting the board decision or writing a waiver.
We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your building and the District as
a whole. Please let us know what we can do to support you with this work.
Best,
Executive Directors of Schools
From: Kischner, Gerrit
To: "J vA"; Hunter, Patricia
Cc: SchoolBoard; Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: RE: Principals" Association vote on math adoption
Hi Julie,

I appreciate your comments and questions regarding the importance of a
district-wide adoption and a careful waiver process that allows us to compare
outcomes with integrity.

PASS is standing firmly behind Superintendent Banda's announcement this
afternoon calling on all principals to support the Boards decision to adopt
Math in Focus for all the reasons Ms. Hunter cites in favor of a single
adoption. The idea of a mass waiver was floated by one of our members in
recognition of the central role that principals will play in any curriculum
implementation as the instructional leaders of our respective buildings, but
we will be far stronger now with a coherent curriculum plan.

Thank you again for your interest in this important issue. Best wishes for
the end of the school year.

Gerrit

Gerrit Kischner, Principal
Schmitz Park Elementary School
5000 SW Spokane St.
Seattle, Washington 98116
206.252.9700
@SchmitzPark

Another great Seattle Public School!

From: JvA [mailto:julievanarcken@gmail.com]
To: Hunter, Patricia
Cc: SchoolBoard; Aramaki, Kelly; !Maple Allstaff; Kischner, Gerrit
Subject: Re: Principals' Association vote on math adoption

Thanks for your prompt reply, Pat, and for all you do for the Maple community.

I think there is some confusion among parents as to whether PASS plans to vote
on a mass waiver for ALL schools (ie, if the mass waiver vote passed, then
all schools would be forced to adopt the alternate curriculum), or just as an
opt-in basis (ie, any schools voting to be part of the mass waiver would be
signatories on it, and other schools would still get the standard curriculum,
or be free to pursue the third curriculum).

If Gerrit Kischner or anyone else could provide clarity on the PASS plans, I
would be grateful.

Thank you!
Julie van Arcken

> On Jun 9, 2014, at 1:48 PM, "Hunter, Patricia" <phunter@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
>
> Hi Ms. Van Arcken,
>
> Thank you for your insightful email expressing your concerns over the new
elementary school math adoption. I have expressed my opinion to be that we
should have one district wide math curriculum, which I think is especially
important for the diverse population that we serve at Maple School. I believe
that this base curriculum is especially important for our most struggling
students who often times are also very transient. It would be most helpful to
them to have continuity when they move from school to school. Beyond that, I
do not believe that a curriculum makes a school/district great. Success is
based upon the quality of teaching and leadership in a school/district. At
Maple we always have, and will continue to teach children, not materials.
Curricula is a means to an end. High caliber teachers are skilled in finding
curricula supports to teach our diverse populations which is centered around
the base adoption. That is our expectation and The Maple Way.
>
> In my opinion we have reached this fiasco over the math adoption, not
because one curricula is head and shoulders better than another, but due to a
lack of leadership. SPS continues to be a reactive rather than a proactive
system. That is not The Maple Way. We will continue to make decisions that
are in our students' best interests and refrain from unnecessarily dragging
them into political discourse.
>
> I hope that this addresses your concerns. If not, please set up a time when
we can talk in person to discuss these issues.
>
> Thank again.
>
> Sincerely,
> Pat
>
> Patricia Hunter
> Principal
> Maple Elementary
> 4925 Corson Avenue South
> Seattle, WA. 98108
> 206-252-8310
> Seattle Public Schools
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: JvA [mailto:julievanarcken@gmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, June 09, 2014 1:01 PM
> To: Hunter, Patricia
> Cc: SchoolBoard; Aramaki, Kelly
> Subject: Principals' Association vote on math adoption
>
> Hi, Mrs. Hunter. My daughter is a kindergartener at Maple, and I'm writing
to express my concern about what I've heard about the math adoption process.
>
> As I understand it (from a mail from the Stevens principal), district
Executive Directors have asked the Principals Association to vote as a
collective unit to apply for a mass waiver to use the enVision curriculum
instead of the board-approved Math in Focus curriculum. As I understand it,
such a vote would essentially force all K-5 schools to use the enVision
curriculum. I'm unclear on how the success of a mass waiver would be
evaluated after 3 years, since no peer schools would be using the standard
curriculum. Unless schools needed to submit a waiver to not be subject to the
mass waiver? It's very confusing.
>
> Anyway, I ask that you please proceed with whatever choice you feel is right
for Maple. But please do not vote for a mass waiver, preventing other schools
from receiving the board-approved curriculum. Waivers should be applied for
on an individual basis only, based on what is right for the school. Please do
not help the district make a farce of the waiver submission process.
>
> Thank you,
> Julie van Arcken
> Maple parent

From: Sammons, RJ
To: Cox, J ulie A
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: North Beach adopts Math in Focus
Importance: High
Hi Julie, I plan to be here for the first portion of your meeting Wednesday evening to help answer
any questions about our shift in math (this is big news for us). Most of the questions will surround
our walk to math/advanced learners which we have not worked through as a staff yet. I have
scheduled a BLT meeting for 6/17 at 3:45 if you can make it (I know its crazy busy though) My goal
will be to develop some talking points as we move forward and establish any alternative
frameworks for walk to math for example, flexible groupings. Give me a call if need be but lets
definitely talk before Wednesday night -RJ

From: Sammons, RJ
To: Heath, Shauna L
Cc: Halfaker, J on; Cox, J ulie A
Subject: North Beach adopts Math in Focus
Importance: High

Hi Shauna, the North Beach Staff unanimously voted to adopt Math in Focus instead of continuing
our grandfathered waiver to use Saxon. This is a big and exciting step forward for our community
and we are anxious to learn more about the professional development launching this summer for
Math in Focus thank you, RJ

RJ Sammons
Principal - North Beach Elementary
(206) 252-1510
http://www.northbeaches.seattleschools.org

From: Vela, Israel on behalf of Suleiman, J eanne M
To: Aleman, Constance T; Breidenbach, J ulie; Clark, J eff; Collins, Christy A; Cronas, Chris P; Dockendorf, David; Fraser-
Hammer, Aida; Gallagher, Robert M; Gary, Robert; Kischner, Gerrit; McKinney, Shannon; Medsker, Ruth; Nash, Cindy
L; Ostrom, Ben; Rhodes, Bruce J ; Sacco, Vicki K; Stanton, Shannon M; Suleiman, J eanne M; Washington, Sahnica;
Zavala, Norma
Cc: Suleiman, J eanne M
Subject: Monday, 6/9 Weekly Bulletin
SW Region | Seattle Public Schools
Weekly Leadership Bulletin
June 9, 2014

Happy Monday SW Leaders!

First, I know all of you have felt like the spin cycle on this math
adoption
decision that landed in our laps last Wednesday night. Thanks to all
who
have been patient in asking for information or a deeper understanding
of the adoption, waivers, etc. An update from the Superintendent
went out earlier today.

Short updates:
Final DLT is tomorrow. Please be on time. Currently, DLT is slated
to end before noon.
Letter from Superintendent regarding math adoption went out
earlier today. Math In Focus is the adopted curriculum. Ordering
will be handled by purchasing in conjunction with enrollment and
planning, with any questions needing to get to Shauna by the end of
Tuesday.
Doodles for the different Focus Groups will be coming out soon.
Want to voice your input or concerns? Please sign up for one or
more of these groups.
Changes to the 222 calendar were negotiated between SEA and SPS.
We have asked them to look at the proposed changes ASAP due to
its impact to Jump Start and other summer programs.
An updated Close of School document went out last week. Please
make sure your admin secretaries have added the updated changes.

I will be involved with graduations and promotion ceremonies this
week.
I appreciate your extra efforts during these last couple of weeks of
school. You all have lots going on at your schools.

Have a great week!
Is

Important Events
This Week:
Monday Weekly Power Schools meeting @ JSCEE
Is in Cabinet & T&L meetings
ED meeting @ JSCEE
C & I policy committee meeting

Tuesday DLT meeting @ JSCEE
Year End Evaluation: McKinney
Language Line meeting @ JSCEE

Wednesday Year End Evaluation: Fraser-Hammer
Global Issues Network meeting at Chief Sealth
HS
Year End Evaluation: Washington

Thursday Committee of Practitioners Meeting in
Toppenish, WA. (all day)

Friday

Saturday
ED meeting @ JSCEE
Skill Center Learning Walk
West Seattle High graduation: 2:00p.m. at the
SWAC Congratulations 2014 Wildcats!!
Chief Sealth High graduation: 7:30p.m. at the
SWAC Congratulations 2014 Hawks!

Important Events
Next Week:
Monday Equity Leadership Development
Weekly Power Schools meeting @ JSCEE
ED meeting @ JSCEE

Tuesday Year End Evaluation: Dockendorf
Year End Evaluation: Aleman
Meeting with Director McLaren @ the JSCEE
Middle College graduation: 7:00p.m. at The
Hall in Faunterloy Congratulations 2014
Graduates!
Wednesday Year End Evaluation: Collins
Year End Evaluation: Kischner

Thursday Last Day of School!
SW Region HR meeting @ JSCEE
SW Region SpEd meeting @ JSCEE
Year End Evaluation: Nash
2013-14 Final Audit Report released

Friday TLLT Retreat @ Rainier Beach CC (all day)

Announcements &
Reminders:
Roster Verification for Student Growth Scores will be included in
this weeks Principal Communicator. Make sure to communicate this
important step to staff.
Reminder: Last Student & Teacher Day Thursday, June 19
th
is the last student AND teacher day. Teachers are not required to
work on June 20
th
.

From: Vela, Israel
To: Suleiman, J eanne M
Subject: Re: SW Bulletin Draft
Short and sweet is good for this week.
Looks good.
Is
From: <Suleiman>, Jeanne M <jmsuleiman@seattleschools.org>
To: SPS <isvela@seattleschools.org>
Subject: RE: SW Bulletin Draft
There isnt much to changeI did add the graduations and a shout-out to the schools. Let me know
what you think.
Jeanne

SW Region | Seattle Public Schools
June 9, 2014


First, I know all of you have felt like the spin cycle on this math
adoption
decision that landed in our laps last Wednesday night. Thanks to all
who
have been patient in asking for information or a deeper understanding
of
the adoption, waivers, etc. An update from the Superintendent went
out
earlier today.

Short updates:
to end before noon.
Tuesday.

We have asked them to look at the proposed changes ASAP due to

I will be involved with graduations and promotion ceremonies this
week.
I appreciate your extra efforts during these last couple of weeks of
school. You all have lots going on at your schools.

Have a great week!
Is

Important
Events This
Week:
Monday Weekly Power Schools meeting @ JSCEE
ED meeting @ JSCEE

Tuesday DLT meeting @ JSCEE
Year End Evaluation: McKinney
Language Line meeting @ JSCEE

Wednesday Year End Evaluation: Fraser-Hammer
Global Issues Network meeting at Chief
Sealth HS
Year End Evaluation: Washington

Thursday Committee of Practicioners Meeting in
Toppenish, WA. (all day)

Friday

Saturday
ED meeting @ JSCEE
Skill Center Learning Walk
West Seattle High graduation: 2:00p.m. at
the SWAC Congratulations 2014
Wildcats!!
Chief Sealth High graduation: 7:30p.m. at the
SWAC Congratulations 2014 Hawks!

Important Events
Next Week:
Monday Equity Leadership Development
Weekly Power Schools meeting @ JSCEE
ED meeting @ JSCEE

Tuesday Year End Evaluation: Dockendorf
Year End Evaluation: Aleman
Meeting with Director McLaren @ the JSCEE
Middle College graduation: 7:00p.m. at The
Hall in Faunterloy Congratulations 2014
Graduates!
Wednesday Year End Evaluation: Collins
Year End Evaluation: Kischner

Thursday Last Day of School!
SW Region HR meeting @ JSCEE
SW Region SpEd meeting @ JSCEE
Year End Evaluation: Nash
2013-14 Final Audit Report released

Friday TLLT Retreat @ Rainier Beach CC (all day)

Announcements
& Reminders:
 Roster Verification for
Student Growth Scores will be included in this weeks Principal
Communicator. Make sure to communicate this important step to
staff.
 Reminder: Last Student &
Teacher Day Thursday, June 19
th
is the last student AND
teacher day. Teachers are not required to work on June 20
th
.

From: Vela, Israel
Subject: SW Bulletin Draft
Importance: High

Hi Jeanne,
I did not change much from Jons so have at it. Also please leave the COP meeting for Thursday for now to
round out my schedule of this week.
Thanks,
Is


First, I know all of you have felt like the spin cycle on this math adoption
decision that landed in our laps last Wednesday night. Thanks to all who
have been patient in asking for information or a deeper understanding of
the adoption, waivers, etc. An update from the Superintendent went out
earlier today.

Short updates:
to end before noon.
Tuesday.
We have asked them to look at the proposed changes asap, due to

I will be involved with graduations and promotion ceremonies this week.
I appreciate your extra efforts during these last couple of weeks of school.
You all have lots going on at your schools.

Have a great week!
Is
From: Neil Gerrans
To: sjpritchett@seattleschools.org
Subject: Math Curriculum Update
Good Evening Lawton Community,
I want to thank those of you who gave input to me over the weekend and today on the new
math adoption. Many schools around the district had looked at submitting waivers, and as I
shared previously, Lawton teachers strongly supported requesting a waiver; however, this
option has been removed from the table.
We will be using the newly adopted Math in Focus program in the fall. We met as a staff
briefly this afternoon and recognize that for many this has been a disillusioning process, but
we also know that in the end good teaching aided by a (sometimes more or less) coherent
curriculum has given us strong academic results at Lawton. We look forward to
learning together as a community and deepening our instructional practice in the coming year.
Best,
Neil Gerrans
Seattle Public Schools would like to continue connecting with you via email. If you prefer to be
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with parents, students and staff through voice, SMS text, email, and social media.
Subject: RE: current enVision waiver at Thurgood Marshall
I know but for how long?

From: Pritchett, Sarah J
To: Helm, Christine M
Subject: Re: current enVision waiver at Thurgood Marshall
Importance: High

Also, Thurgood is grandfathered in with enVision.

SArah

From: <Helm>, Christine Helm <cmhelm@seattleschools.org>
To: SPS <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: current enVision waiver at Thurgood Marshall

Hi Sarah,

1) Given the Superintendents most recent email, I have asked Shauna the questions below:

2) Any news on our Pre School? Is it still moving? What about the $23,000 can the district
cover that since we have already allocated it?

Thanks,
Christine

To: Heath, Shauna L
Subject: current enVision waiver at Thurgood Marshall
Importance: High

Hi Shauna,

Given the Superintendents email this afternoon, will your department still be buying enVision 2015
for the Thurgood Marshall classrooms? If so, what is the process after next year when our waiver
expires? Can we assume if we get new materials that we will use them for more than one year?

Thank you,
Christine Helm
Interim Principal at Thurgood Marshall

From: Suleiman, J eanne M
To: Vela, Israel
Just sharing this with you. Im not sure the tone is completely sincere. I do know Joanne was one
of the EnVision supporters
Jeanne
From: Bowers, J oanne
To: Elementary Principals; Middleschool Principals

Hello Colleagues,

In regards to the math adoption, we now have the direction from Superintendent Banda in his
email that there will be only one which is Math In Focus. The decision has been made and
we can go forward with our work to ensure that all students receive strong math instruction.
The focus can now be on quality instruction and professional development.

If you have further questions, please direct them to your Ed Director.

Take this one piece of work off your list of to dos.

Joanne Bowers
Green Lake Principal
206-252-5320

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
Albert Einstein

To: Thompson, Awnie
Subject: Re: K-5 math update
Importance: High
That is what I think the underlining message even though it is not stated implicitly.
Sarah
From: <Thompson>, Awnie Thompson <ajthompson@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: K-5 math update
Sarah,
I read this to mean that waivers wont be approved, is that what you think? I dont want to
waste my limited time to write a waiver if it wont be approved no matter what. Id appreciate
your thoughts. Thanks! Awnie

Awnie Thompson
Principal
John Muir Elementary
206-252-7400

From: Banda, J ose L
Subject: K-5 math update
Importance: High

Dear Principals,

Over the last few weeks there has been extensive focus on the K-5 math elementary
adoption. When we started this process, it was our goal to create alignment for our
math program, ensuring consistent and equitable materials, which is in the best
interest of our students.

We believe any of the top three materials considered by the Materials Adoption
Committee would have provided staff with a strong resource to support instruction.
The selection of Math in Focus provides an opportunity to ensure an aligned
approach to mathematics across the district through our established feeder patterns
in regions. The implementation of a single program also ensures equitable access to
students throughout the city of Seattle.

I know many of us are frustrated about the process. I want to thank you for your
patience and support during the past week. Given the short timeframe and the need
for consistency in our District, I must ask you to support the adopted Math in Focus
program for the fall. We will provide the funding to fully implement the program and
also ensure aligned professional development.

While Board policy allows for the granting of waivers, a key factor in reviewing
waivers will be in keeping a single set of instructional materials throughout the district
as the best way to serve our students.

All aspects of curriculum and instruction -- resources, standards, assessment,
instructional practices -- are key to student success and closing the achievement gap.
In an effort to make a difference for students, we will continue to focus on best
instructional practices. In addition to the vendor-supported professional development
for Math in Focus, there will be an ongoing book study for school leaders specifically
related to mathematics, as well as optional professional development opportunities
focusing on mathematical practices.

I want to thank our educators and community members who served on the Materials
Adoption Committee. While I recognize there is disappointment that the
recommended materials were not approved, I am pleased there was a selection of
one strong math program, which will provide an opportunity to ensure an aligned
approach to mathematics across the district.

At the end of the day, we know having a single adoption is what is best for our
District, and I want to thank you for continuing to support our students.

Sincerely,

Jos

Jos Banda
Superintendent

From: Vela, Israel
Subject: SW Bulletin Draft
Importance: High
Hi Jeanne,
I did not change much from Jons so have at it. Also please leave the COP meeting for Thursday for now to
round out my schedule of this week.
Thanks,
Is
First, I know all of you have felt like the spin cycle on this math adoption
decision that landed in our laps last Wednesday night. Thanks to all who
have been patient in asking for information or a deeper understanding of
the adoption, waivers, etc. An update from the Superintendent went out
earlier today.
Short updates:
to end before noon.
Tuesday.
We have asked them to look at the proposed changes asap, due to
I will be involved with graduations and promotion ceremonies this week.
I appreciate your extra efforts during these last couple of weeks of school.
You all have lots going on at your schools.
Have a great week!
Is
To: Hanson, Kari
Subject: RE: K-5 math update
J

From: Hanson, Kari

Got it and also saw Joanne Bowers message. Hay will be on board and prepared to move forward
with a smile (eventually ;)

Kari Hanson
Principal

John Hay Elementary School
201 Garfield Street
Seattle, Washington
206-252-2100

To: Hanson, Kari

We have received strong messaging of no waivers, even those it is not stated in this communication
explicitly.

Sarah

From: Hanson, Kari
Subject: FW: K-5 math update
Importance: High

Hi Sarah,

Okay I was just about to send a survey out to my families to gather input for a waiver. I dont
know how to maneuver this shall I get the input? I dont want to bring my families in on this if
the waivers will be denied what do you think?

Kari Hanson
Principal

201 Garfield Street
Seattle, Washington
206-252-2100

From: Banda, J ose L
Subject: K-5 math update
Importance: High

Dear Principals,


in regions. The implementation of a single program also ensures equitable access to
students throughout the city of Seattle.

I know many of us are frustrated about the process. I want to thank you for your
for consistency in our District, I must ask you to support the adopted Math in Focus
also ensure aligned professional development.

While Board policy allows for the granting of waivers, a key factor in reviewing
waivers will be in keeping a single set of instructional materials throughout the district
as the best way to serve our students.

instructional practices -- are key to student success and closing the achievement
gap. In an effort to make a difference for students, we will continue to focus on best
related to mathematics, as well as optional professional development opportunities
focusing on mathematical practices.


At the end of the day, we know having a single adoption is what is best for our
District, and I want to thank you for continuing to support our students.

Sincerely,

Jos

Jos Banda
Superintendent

To: Benkovitz, J ennifer L
Subject: Re: math update
You will need to do the research on it to meet the SPS Board Policy 2020. Not saying no, but it will take
some work to get to yes.
Jon Halfaker
Executive Director NW Region
From: <Benkovitz>, Jennifer L <jlbenkovitz@seattleschools.org>
Date: Monday, June 9, 2014 2:41 PM
To: SPS <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
Subject: math update
We are on board with Math in Focus.
Any chance we could pilot 6-8 Singapore so we can have a single curriculum? We were planning to write a
waiver to use Agile Mind (suggested by Anna Box) but now that Singapore is going to be used, this seems
like a logical step forward for our school. A little curriculum cohesion could go a long way. Thoughts?
FYI:
Teacher: So, could we say were doing math in focus but really do TERC?
Jen: No. MiF would be our primary resource. Part of my job would be to ensure that we are implementing
with fidelity, using other resources to supplement when needed. This is what is best for kids. Otherwise,
we are where we were over a year ago with multiple curriculums and kids/families being at a loss
Teachers: Oh. Well then. I guess this is different.
Thanks,
Jen
Jen Benkovitz, Ed.D.
Principal, Salmon Bay K-8
Phone: 206-252-1725
Fax: 206-252-1721
To: Vela, Israel
Subject: RE: phone message for you....
Thanks. I just got an earful from a K 5 STEM parent who heard about the dual adoption kerfuffle.
I read verbatim part of the Superintendents communication and asked her to contact Shannon
McKinney.
Jeanne

From: Vela, Israel
Subject: Re: phone message for you....

This means it will be denied if it is not Math in Focus as it does not provide for one resource. I will call him
tonight.
Thanks,
Is

Subject: phone message for you....

.from Bruce at Sanislo. He has a question of whether schools can or cannot use a waiver to
adopt a different math curriculum than MiF. The confusing paragraph is this one:

While Board policy allows for the granting of waivers, a key factor in reviewing waivers will
be in keeping a single set of instructional materials throughout the district as the best way
to serve our students.

Bruce would like a return call tonight.
Thanks,
Jeanne

From: Cox, J ulie A
To: "David J acobs"; Merz, Elaine R; Ouellette, Douglas C; president@blainepta.com; vicepresident@blainepta.com;
Pritchett, Sarah J
Cc: SchoolBoard
Subject: RE: Information on Math Curriculum
Dear Dave,

Thank you for your note regarding the math preference at Catharine Blaine. Let me begin with
some background information. Over the past two years we have invested many hours on
implementing the CCSS-M. Last year we met in collaborative groups with the Lawton staff during
most our Early Release Days. We spent time not only getting to know the standards intimately,
but we also spent hours gathering resources and standards-based assessments that align. In
addition we used the ReThink CCSS-M pacing guides and standards-based assessments. This is a
point of pride for me at Blaine the teachers really know the standards and how to differentiate to
meet varying types of learners. They are creative in finding resources to augment the current EDM
curriculum. With this said, are all excited about the SPS math adoption!

When the adoption choices were on display, Blaine was fortunate to be a review site. This
provided our teachers with the opportunity to view the materials right on campus. We had time to
look at many aspects of each: recommended instructional practices, differentiation techniques,
intervention strategies, and assessments. We gave our feedback to the MAC. We didnt
overwhelmingly find one of the choices stand out over the others. We found strong aspects in
them all. Our lens is CCSS-M. We teach to the standards and post daily learning targets for our
students. We consistently use the curriculum to teach to the standards. So for us, we gave our
feedback and left the rest up to Central Leadership.

This brings us to the present. The elementary teachers are meeting with the BLT Leader (Building
Leadership Team Representative) today. The BLT will meet tonight, gather the feedback from
staff, discuss with parent involvement and then make a decision. I will bring your feedback to this
meeting, or you are welcome to attend. We meet in my office at 4:00.

Please see this information as well: this was in A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL this past week in
our Tiger Tracks newsletter regarding the math program at Blaine.

With kind regards,
Julie

MATH AND MATH ASSESSMENT
In addition to our elementary teachers getting to know the Districts newly adopted math
curriculum (and aligning it to the Common Core State Standards in Math), we will be using a
new assessment tool next year. Students this spring will take a standards-based assessment
that will help us organize our instructional grouping for math come fall. Any student that
comes to Blaine in the fall as a new student will also take the assessment. This tool, created
by the ReThink Company is standards-based. This way it will allow us to pin point
standards that students have already mastered (no need to teach them what they already
know) and to pin point standards throughout the year where they have yet to meet standard.
Next year we will track growth on a week-to-week basis. This way we can provide students
with specific and immediate feedback and support. We will use a data tracking software
called, Master Track. Some teachers piloted Master Track this past year and found it very
powerful. The first through fifth grade teachers will use this. We have a training next week
to learn how to use it!

WALK-TO-MATH
The fourth and fifth grade teachers will implement the strategy of Walk-to-Math next fall.
Many of you have heard about this from other schools. In the fall in grades fourth and fifth
graders will walk to math within their grade level. We wont mix grade levels. Based on
our data, we will establish pacing groups. All students will start the year at grade level
standard (CCSS-M). Then the groups will move through the standards at different paces
depending upon their needs. This means all students will learn their grade level standards by
the end of year AND some groups will also have gone beyond standard into the next grade
level. Much more information will be going out about this by the end of the year or as late as
the fall.

From: David J acobs [mailto:jacobsda12@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, J une 08, 2014 11:45 PM
To: Merz, Elaine R; Cox, J ulie A; Ouellette, Douglas C; president@blainepta.com;
vicepresident@blainepta.com
Cc: SchoolBoard
Subject: Re: Information on Math Curriculum

Keeping the School Board informed

-Dave

On Sun, Jun 8, 2014 at 11:40 PM, David Jacobs <jacobsda12@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Blaine School Leadership,

I have an important question to ask about the Math curriculum process. The school board
made a brave decision last week to review the work that the staff and the Math Advisory
Committee performed and decide that the process did not do justice for our students. In the
process they learned about what Math in Focus (MIF) can provide for the students and made a
brave decision to go against the staff and finally put Seattle Schools on the path to teach our
students MATH and not English/Math.

What is Blaine's plan with the curriculum? Is the school going to accept MIF and help propel
our students into the future; or is it going to follow suit of other schools and ask for a waiver
to use enVision and force our students to need to be fluent in how to read and write in order to
learn math?

I hope that you and your team follow the board's decision and moves forward with accepting
the highly acclaimed Singapore math program.

Warm Regards,
-Dave Jacobs
206-214-6877

To: Aramaki, Kelly
Hi Kelly,

I dont think I need to retract. I have put at the bottom that we were expecting updates from
central office. It is already mid day and there is no direction or clarification yet and I had too
many principals asking me what to do. As soon as we get the info, I can help communicate if
you need.

Joanne

To: Bowers, J oanne
Cc: Kischner, Gerrit
Importance: High

Hey Joanne,

Is it possible to retract this for the time being. Superintendent is going to send out an e-mail shortly with
further clarification.

Kelly

From: <Bowers>, "Bowers, Joanne" <jbowers@seattleschools.org>
Date: Monday, June 9, 2014 11:13 AM
To: Elementary Principals <Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, Middleschool Principals
<MiddleschoolPrincipals@seattleschools.org>

If you are not a an elementary or K-8 school, disregard the email.

Hello Principals,

Your PASS reps met this morning and without having much more info than we
did last week, we strongly suggest that if you are going to request a waiver for
enVision that you have it prepared to hand in tomorrow as directed by Shauna
Heath and Michael Tolley. The process was for each school to send in their
own individual waiver adoptions. We do not want to hold any school up by
trying to get everyone on the same waiver or put your school in jeopardy if the
waiver is not turned in as an individual school.

For those of you trying to get the community input, David Dockendorf has
provided us with a survey monkey link and letter he sent to his community. If
you would like to use this, you can attach to a school messenger link to gather
your input from your community. Thanks David.

As you may know, the Seattle School Board recommended a new K-5
math curriculum to use for the next seven years. _________ is trying
to determine the best curriculum option for our students. We have
created a survey to gather community input. Due to the district
timeline, we will need your input by Tuesday, June 10
th
at 9am. Please
use the following link to share your input.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JPCG7QS

We will have more info for you and will be discussing this tomorrow
either during or after DLT. We are waiting to hear form our Supt. and
EDs.

We also realize the extra workload this has added to your year and are
working to support you during this.

Joanne Bowers
206-252-5320

Albert Einstein

From: Rogers, Lesley A
To: Vela, Israel; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; J essee, Wyeth; Heath, Shauna L
Subject: need edits ASAP - thanks
Date: Monday, J une 09, 2014 11:55:01 AM
Dear Principals,


in regions. One program also ensures equitable access to students throughout the
city of Seattle.

I know many of us are frustrated about the process, and I want to thank you for your
for consistency in our District, I need you to support the adopted Math in Focus
also ensure robust professional development.

instructional practices -- are key to student success and closing the achievement
gap. In an effort to make a difference for students, we will continue to focus on best
related to mathematics, as well as optional PD opportunities focusing on
mathematical practices.


At the end of the day, we all know this is about what is best for students, and I want to
thank you for supporting Math in Focus.

Sincerely,

Jos

Jos Banda
Superintendent

Lesley Rogers
Chief Communications Officer
Cell: 206-255-2811
To: Whitworth, Kim
Cc: Lowe, David M
Subject: Community
Kim,

At this point we are considering our PTA representation on the BLT as involving the community.
Do you think we need to do something more such as this kind of survey?

Tino

Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
(206) 252-5670

From: Lowe, David M
Sent: Monday, J une 09, 2014 11:17 AM

Didnt see your name on the distribution list. Ill forward anything else I get as well.

d

To: Aleman, Constance T; Allan, Claudia; Aramaki, Kelly; Archer, Kelley A; Ayer, Erika J ; Banda, J ose L;
Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, J ennifer L; Bogan, Angela S; Bowers, J oanne; Breidenbach, J ulie; Breuder,
Maria E; Brooks, Heather E; Claytor, Rhonda; Collins, Christy A; Cox, J ulie A; Cronas, Chris P;
Dockendorf, David; Dorsey, Barry; Elliott, David; Fauntleroy, Dedy G; Floyd, Wayne; Gallagher, Robert
M; Geoghagan, Rina; Gerrans, Neil T; Golosman, Daniel P; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Hanson, Kari; Hayes,
Vernon C; Helm, Christine M; Hunter, Patricia; Imel, Greg; J askot, Stanley C; J enkins, Zoe; J ohnson,
Anne; J olly, Kathy; J oung, Helen H; Kischner, Gerrit; Loveness, Marilyn; Lowe, David M; Lute-Ervin, J o;
McKinney, Shannon; McMillian, Cothron L.; Merca, Roy; Miner, J ohn; Mirabueno, Sara; Morningstar,
Sarah; Morrison, Laura; Muth, Davy; Nelsen, Debbie; Oatis, Chanda; Ostrom, Ben; Ota, Michelle;
Paraghamian, Aleta; Pearl, Katrina M; Pinchback-J ones, Anitra L; Powell, Sandra C; Rhodes, Bruce J ;
Sacco, Vicki K; Sammons, RJ ; Sanger, Dan; Scarlett, Keisha; Schweitzer, Melissa; Scott, Christopher E;
Scott, Sandra; Skjei, Terri; Smith J r., Marion J ; Stanton, Shannon M; Starosky, Michael; Suleiman,
J eanne M; Tang, Po-yuk S; Thaxton, Farah G; Thompson, Awnie; Todd, Winifred; Tolley, Michael F;
Trotter, Walter; Turner, Virginia; Warren, Dan; Washington, Sahnica; Whitworth, Kim; Wiley, Delinda;
Zavala, Norma; Banda, J ose L; Benkovitz, J ennifer L; Brooks, Heather E; Carter, Christopher E; Clark,
J eff; Conner, Shannon; Cox, J ulie A; Dockendorf, David; Gary, Robert; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria;
Guenther, Patricia; Halfaker, J on; Kleitsch, Sue; Kokx, Sherri K; McDaniel, Mary; Merca, Roy;
Montgomery, Paula; Nelsen, Debbie; Paraghamian, Aleta; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Scarlett, Keisha; Scott,
Christopher E; Starosky, Michael; Suleiman, J eanne M; Talbert, Tonie; Talbot, Sarah M; Tolley, Michael
F; Watters, Cindy J ; Whitworth, Kim; Wiley, Delinda; Williams, Mia T

If you are not a an elementary or K-8 school, disregard the email.

Hello Principals,

Your PASS reps met this morning and without having much more info than we
did last week, we strongly suggest that if you are going to request a waiver for
enVision that you have it prepared to hand in tomorrow as directed by Shauna
Heath and Michael Tolley. The process was for each school to send in their
own individual waiver adoptions. We do not want to hold any school up by
trying to get everyone on the same waiver or put your school in jeopardy if the
waiver is not turned in as an individual school.

For those of you trying to get the community input, David Dockendorf has
provided us with a survey monkey link and letter he sent to his community. If
you would like to use this, you can attach to a school messenger link to gather
your input from your community. Thanks David.

As you may know, the Seattle School Board recommended a new K-5
math curriculum to use for the next seven years. _________ is trying
to determine the best curriculum option for our students. We have
created a survey to gather community input. Due to the district
timeline, we will need your input by Tuesday, June 10
th
at 9am. Please
use the following link to share your input.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JPCG7QS

We will have more info for you and will be discussing this tomorrow
either during or after DLT. We are waiting to hear form our Supt. and
EDs.

We also realize the extra workload this has added to your year and are
working to support you during this.

Joanne Bowers
206-252-5320

Albert Einstein

From: Anderson, Eric M
To: Anderson, Eric M; Wright, Charles E; Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Cc: Wallace, Venetia H; Garmoe, Misa; Halfaker, J on; Turner, Nicole J
Subject: RE: Upcoming Principal Focus Groups
By COB today we will send a Doodle asking principals and APs to select all sessions they would be willing to participate in.
After we get the Doodle results we will stratify session participation as best as possible (by level, region, etc). If we get more
sign ups than we have space for we will provide an alternative opportunity for providing feedback.

Wyeth is drafting the email to accompany the Doodle invitation. My office will provide the Doodle link.

Charles, I assume the email come from you, correct?

Eric

To: Wright, Charles E; Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Cc: Wallace, Venetia H; Garmoe, Misa; Halfaker, J on

Here is a draft schedule. I dropped DoTS (Data Reporting) from the list because doing HR, Budget, Enrollment Planning ,
Enrollment Services and DoTS seems like too much for 90 minutes. My office is planning to gather feedback about data
reporting (in partnership with DoTS) later this summer. Thoughts?

Day Date Start End Topic
Tuesday 24-Jun 10:30 12:00 SPED, ELL, and Advanced Learning
Tuesday 24-Jun 1:00 2:30 Schools/Family partnerships, Family Support Programs, Community Partnerships
Tuesday 24-Jun 2:30 4:00 Human Resources, Budget, Enrollment Planning, Enrollment Services
Wednesday 25-Jun 10:30 12:00 SPED, ELL, and Advanced Learning
Wednesday 25-Jun 1:00 2:30 Schools/Family partnerships, Family Support Programs, Community Partnerships
Wednesday 25-Jun 2:30 4:00 Human Resources, Budget, Enrollment Planning, Enrollment Services
Thursday 26-Jun 10:30 12:00 Math, Literacy
Thursday 26-Jun 1:00 2:30 Math, Literacy
Thursday 26-Jun 2:30 4:00 Facilities, Transportation

From: Wright, Charles E
To: Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Anderson, Eric M; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Cc: Wallace, Venetia H; Garmoe, Misa; Halfaker, J on

Bringing Jon and Misa into the loop.

From: Echeverria, Guillermo J
To: Wright, Charles E; Anderson, Eric M; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Cc: Wallace, Venetia H

Hello Charles, I apologize for the delay. Yes we were able to discuss and agree on most topics for the Principal Focus Groups. Below
is the summary. Please let us know your thoughts, so we could move ahead with next steps.

I would really like to meet with this team and discuss prior to sending the communication to school leaders, but it seems that we won't
have time for it.

Eric, Gerrit, Wyeth, thanks for your time and active participation. I am looking forward to continue working with you on this important
initiative.

Regards, Guillermo

Session Goals:
Better understand the feedback they provide during the Principal survey (get to the root causes, and recommended
solutions for issues/opportunities affecting multiple schools)
Get back to this group by target date with the key changes/solutions to be implemented and a timeline. This will
increase credibility, trust and participation as School leaders will see action from their feedback.
Number of groups and topics:
9 Sessions scheduled on June 24, 25 and 26: 3 sessions per day at 10:30, 1:00 and 2:30: Total: 9 sessions
2 groups of: ELL, SPED, Advanced Learning (Programs)
2 Groups of Schools/Family partnerships, Family Support Programs and Community Partnerships
2 Groups of Literacy and Math
2 Groups of HR, Budget, Enrollment Planning , Enrollment Services and DoTS
1 Group of Facilities and Transportation
Facilitator: Guillermo and Wyeth (support: Kick off, provide context and control time)
Number of Participants: Ideal number per focus group: (4-6), if we have more we could get a backup facilitator (Barb or
increase the number)
Session agenda, questions and approach (below)
Sessions will be audio recorded
Plan after the sessions
Key discussion topics: We need a decision on this topics
Do we want to get back to School leaders with a plan: service improvements and target date to implement?. THe group felt
that this will need to happen if we want school leaders to perceive that their time/feedback is worth their time and also that the
central office is taking action
If we want to get back to Principals, what is the target date to get back with a plan per department? (based on all other
priorities, it should be before the start of school or Dec (after first quarter). Ideally some solutions will need to be implemented
before start of school.
Include the questions to the communication or not? Our recommendation was to include (but will be ok with not)
Let School leaders chose multiple sessions (Priority H, M, L, or 1,2,3). This will allow us to move leaders to sessions to
balance the number and get equal representation from school type (Elementary, Middle, High) and regions
Have somebody from the departments in the session or not?. Our recommendation was that it will be better not to, but ask if
they will be ok with a follow up from the department at a later time (if there were questions/clarifications from the
departments).
Action items/Next steps:
Confirm key discussion topics - Charles
Draft communication to Principals (Wyeth?)
Doodle - Eric, could you help with this coordination?
For the sessions: If possible have a person that could transcribe the session, to get all ideas (from Eric or somebody from
Eric's team? any other ideas?)
Agenda:

Kick off- Wyeth (5-10 mins):
Why are we here?
What is our goal? Looking for system problems, or process changes that affect multiple schools, not looking for single
school issues. Active participation from School leaders is vital to better plan and execute changes to improve services.
We know there are opportunities, we need to know which are more important for school leaders
What is our deliverable after the session?: A prioritized list of solutions and root causes for each department. For
each department we are looking for 2-5, focused on low hanging fruit, small changes in process/system that will move
the needle
What are the next steps?
Provide this feedback to departments and cabinet
Develop an action plan
Get approval and communicate to school leaders
Implement/execute the process/system changes
Review the results during the next Principal survey (Continuous Improvement cycle)
Introduce Guillermo and any other participant from the central office
Process: (60-80 mins) - Guillermo:
For each department:
What are the strengths of the department?
What are the specific root causes for opportunities, What could the department do to provide a better service to schools?
Customer service, system and processes. For example: is it timing of communication, or response time, etc
What are the recommended solutions by root cause? (For each department we are looking for 2-5, focused on low hanging
fruit, small changes in process/system that will move the needle). For example if timing of communication is a root cause, for
each key process, when would you like to receive the communication?
In the board: List the root causes, and the solutions
Follow the same process for all departments listed in the session
Then prioritize all solutions (by multi-voting)
Next steps: Ask participants if they will be willing to:
Invest time providing more specific feedback to department staff (if the dpt has any follow up question)
Invest time participating in the session with the departments (developing the solutions and action plan)
Have a paper feedback session form and ask leader to fill before leaving

Guillermo (Bill) Echeverria
Director of Continuous Improvement, Office of the Deputy Superintendent
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, Seattle Public Schools
2445 - 3rd Ave South, Seattle 98134 - 3rd floor, office 3010
(O):(206)252-0190 (C):(206)743-6910 (E):gjecheverria@seattleschools.org

"Every Student. Every Classroom. Every Day. Three goals. 51,000 journeys."
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To: Anderson, Eric M; Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Hi all,
I didnt see a reply to Erics email. Any thoughts? We need to get this out Monday by end of day.

Charles

_____________________________________________
Sent: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 1:03 PM
To: Wright, Charles E; Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth

Hi All,

Did we finalize the schedule? Do we need to get some assistance with the Doodle (Im thinking Patricia could help)? Is
someone drafting the email to accompany the Doodle?

Eric

-----Original Appointment-----
Sent: Tuesday, J une 03, 2014 2:32 PM
To: Wright, Charles E; Echeverria, Guillermo J ; Anderson, Eric M; Kischner, Gerrit; J essee, Wyeth
Subject: Upcoming Principal Focus Groups
When: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 11:00 AM-11:30 AM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada).
Where: Charles office

Gerrit: if you are not able to make this in person, please dial in: 252.0983

To: Rogers, Lesley A
Subject: FW: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
Importance: High
We sent this to each of our regions.
KW
From: <Vela>, Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>
To: "Rhodes, Bruce J" <bjrhodes@seattleschools.org>, "Ostrom, Ben"
<bostrom@seattleschools.org>, "Sacco, Vicki K" <vksacco@seattleschools.org>, "Stanton, Shannon
M" <smstanton@seattleschools.org>, "Kischner, Gerrit" <gakischner@seattleschools.org>, "Gary,
Robert" <rgary@seattleschools.org>, "Gallagher, Robert M" <rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>,
"Medsker, Ruth" <rmedsker@seattleschools.org>, "Washington, Sahnica"
<smwashington@seattleschools.org>, "Collins, Christy A" <cacollins@seattleschools.org>,
"Dockendorf, David" <ddockendorf@seattleschools.org>, "Nash, Cindy L"
<cortega@seattleschools.org>, "Fraser-Hammer, Aida" <aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org>,
"Clark, Jeff" <jclark@seattleschools.org>, "Aleman, Constance T" <cothomas@seattleschools.org>,
"McKinney, Shannon" <shmckinney@seattleschools.org>, "Zavala, Norma"
<ngzavala@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>,
"Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, Is Vela
<isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Breidenbach, Julie" <jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
Dear Principals,
are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math in the 2014-2015 school year. The EDS's strongly
believe that a common curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and equity.
We are asking that the elementary and K-8 components of the Principal corp come to consensus on a
preference for a math curriculum and either write a waiver to implement enVision Math or take the
board's decision and implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a single
curriculum by either accepting the board decision or writing a waiver.
Best,
From: Sammons, RJ
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: math adoption: waivers?

From: Rainer Leuschke [mailto:rainerle@gmail.com]
To: Sammons, RJ
Cc: SchoolBoard
Subject: math adoption: waivers?

Dear Mr. Sammons,

I was highly encouraged by the school board's decision to adopt the Math in Focus program
for the district. I am concerned about rumors on local school related blogs about emergency
meetings at schools to apply for waivers without community/parent input. If true this is a
troublesome development as this process would be a significant departure from previous
waiver process.

The Saxon Math curriculum used at North Beach now appears to be decent, however I do
believe that the focus on thinking through problems in Math in Focus will yield better results
for most kids in the long term.

Please ensure that North Beach will indeed follow the SPS board adopted standard. No more
Reform math, please.

Thank you,
Rainer Leuschke, Ph.D.
Principal Engineer Terex Inc.

From: Sacco, Vicki K
To: Collins, Christy A; Dockendorf, David; Breidenbach, J ulie; Stanton, Shannon M; Zavala, Norma; Washington,
Sahnica; Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Aleman, Constance T;
Rhodes, Bruce J
Cc: Ayer, Erika J ; Vela, Israel; Bowers, J oanne
Subject: RE: Math Adoption Survey
Well add you to the list. Thank you Christy!

From: Collins, Christy A
To: Dockendorf, David; Breidenbach, J ulie; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma;
Washington, Sahnica; Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Aleman,
Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J

Arbor Heights is 100% unanimous for EnVision math. Please let us know next steps for
the joint waiver.
Best to all this was a challenging event for all of us!
Christy

Christy Collins
Principal, Arbor Heights Elementary
3701 SW 104th Street
Seattle, WA. 98146
206-252-9250
cacollins@seattleschools.org

From: Dockendorf, David
Sent: Friday, J une 06, 2014 5:00 PM
To: Breidenbach, J ulie; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A;

Thank you

From: Breidenbach, J ulie
To: Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A;

waiver for FP as we intend on using enVision
To: Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Washington, Sahnica;
Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Dockendorf, David; Aleman,
Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J ; Breidenbach, J ulie
Subject: Math Adoption Survey
Good Afternoon Colleagues,
The elementary component of PASS is asking that each region find out what K-5 buildings are doing
regarding the math adoption. I spoke with Vicki earlier and we are collecting this information for
the SW region and then forwarding this information on to JoAnne Bower and Erika Ayer. If you
could reply to this email with what your building is doing around the math adoption; yes we are
doing a waiver, no we are not doing a waiver, we are still deciding as a building. Vicki and I will be
contacting you at the end of the day if we have not heard back from you. IF you have spoken with
Vicki please still reply to this email so we have it documented.
Thank you very much,
David and Vicki

David Dockendorf
Principal, Pathfinder K-8 School

From: Benkovitz, J ennifer L
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: math and other updates for staff... input needed
I am meeting w/ K-5 staff during lunch today. Am I correct in that they have 3 options re. the
math adoption:
1. Plan to continue implementing TERC with the understanding that math scores must meet or
exceed district scores.
2. Sign the Envisions waiver that is being currently being co-written and then implement
Envisions.
3. Plan to implement Math in Focus, the curriculum adopted by the board.
What am I missing?
I also plan to let them know about the ACCESS decision. What info can I present re. time
frame. Classrooms will need to be shifted. Should my expectation be that this happen over the
summer? Is there anything in the contract I need to be aware of? I realize the last day is June
19 and we dont have workdays
I also plan to review the bell schedule. My understanding is that it has been reviewed by
Sapina and Misa and that it does not violate the contract. I have included every ounce of input
other than half class art. Other than that they insist on 2 bell schedules which is not an
option for our school community that has selected a K-8 school.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Jen
Jen Benkovitz, Ed.D.
Principal, Salmon Bay K-8
Phone: 206-252-1725
Fax: 206-252-1721
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Updates
Kim,

I hope you had a great camping trip. I just wanted to let you know that I met with the staff on
Friday just to explain to them the situation, then sent them resources from the math adoption
process to help them try to form their opinion on what Wedgwood should do. Hopefully they will
share their perspectives with their BLT reps before we have our previously scheduled BLT
meeting after school today.

A couple of questions I have for you are:

1. What time on Tuesday would you want the Waiver by if Wedgwood decides to submit a
waiver? (Im figuring out if there is the possibility of having another BLT meeting if needed
because Im not sure what might happen at the DLT).

2. Would you be willing to look at the waiver draft I have made up just in case it is needed (or
would that be inappropriate in this situation)?

Also, I was wondering if there was an update that I can give the BLT on the principal hiring
process, such as The superintendent was scheduled to interview the candidates (1 or 2?) today
or something like that just to make them feel like they have a sense of what is going on with that.

Thanks for the help,

Tino

Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
(206) 252-5670

From: Mirabueno, Sara
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Fwd: Math Adoption/Waiver Procedure
Date: Sunday, J une 08, 2014 8:47:03 PM
FYI- this came across my email yesterday.
Thanks,
Sara
Sent from my iPhone
From: Kim McCormick <kim.mccormick@comcast.net>
To: "'Banda, Jose L'" <jlbanda@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "'Peaslee, Sharon D'" <sdpeaslee@seattleschools.org>, "'McLaren, Martha'"
<martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org>, <sherry.carr@seattleschools.org>,
<harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org>, <betty.patu@seattleschools.org>,
"'Peters, Susan M'" <sue.peters@seattleschools.org>, "'Blanford, Stephan'"
<stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org>, "'Mirabueno, Sara'"
<srmirabueno@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math Adoption/Waiver Procedure
Dear Superintendent Banda,

I am writing you today to express my concerns regarding the instructional materials
waiver procedure. I am a John Rogers Elementary parent, currently serving as the
PTA representative on the John Rogers Elementary Building Leadership Team. Last
night (Friday, June 7
th
), I received an email from our principal, Sara Mirabueno,
informing the BLT that we will be convening Monday morning, June 9
th
, in order to
discuss and make a recommendation to Staff regarding the math materials adoption,
and whether or not to pursue a waiver of the School Board-adopted materials, Math
in Focus, in favor of EnVision. School Staff will then meet Monday afternoon, and
vote on whether or not to pursue an instructional materials waiver, prior to the
imposed June 10
th
deadline for the waiver process.

As background, I am a very-well connected parent who spends a great deal of time
volunteering at John Rogers. As the PTA representative on the John Rogers BLT, I
have not heard of any outcry from school staff or the parent community regarding
the math materials that were recently adopted by the School Board. In fact, the few
teachers and parents with whom I have had discussions about the math adoption
were overwhelmingly in support of the Math in Focus materials. I was quite frankly
surprised that there was any reason to convene an emergency BLT meeting at John
Rogers on the subject of math adoption.

In my opinion, it is not appropriate to apply for a waiver for instructional materials
when neither the approved School Board adopted materials, nor the materials
requested in the waiver, have been previously used or piloted by the school. John
Rogers has used Every Day Math for the past 7 years, and I believe TERC
Investigations was the math text prior to EDM. We were not chosen as a pilot school
for either EnVision or Math in Focus. Therefore, there is no direct evidence that
EnVision would be a better fit for our students than Math in Focus. For these
reasons, I do not understand how the John Rogers BLT and Staff could be expected to
rationally decide whether or not to waive the School Board-adopted Math in Focus
materials for that of EnVision.

The waiver process, as described in Board Policy 2020 is to involve feedback from the
entire School Community. This feedback could be collected in the form of surveys,
and discussions at PTA and staff meetings. Staff and parents should also receive a
detailed explanation of the pros and cons of both texts. All input received from the
community should be carefully vetted by the BLT prior to their recommendation
being made to Staff. In my opinion, given the very rushed waiver process, there has
not been enough time to properly vet the reasons why John Rogers should (or should
not) eschew the School Board-adopted materials (Math in Focus) and apply for a
waiver to receive EnVision. In my opinion, this is not a legitimate way of handling
such an important decision, and it does not comply with School Board Policy 2020.

This is Principal Mirabuenos first year at John Rogers, and is, in fact, her first year as a
school principal. Working with her has been a pleasure, and she is working very hard
to provide the best-possible educational environment and outcomes for our children.
Our school is located in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of the Lake City area, and
has been experiencing phenomenal growth over the past five years. It is a
wonderfully-diverse school community in many ways, including inclusion special
education, has a FRL percentage of over 40%, and was recently-designated as an ELL
school due to a number of our students being identified as needing ELL services.

I find it highly-annoying that, instead of focusing on how to best serve our students
during the final days of the 2013-14 school year, our Principal and Staff are having to
take time out of their busy schedules to vote on a waiver request that, as far as I
know, did not originate from the John Rogers School Community.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kim McCormick, Ph. D.
Parent and BLT Representative, John Rogers Elementary

To: Ayer, Erika J ; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, J ennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy, Dedy G; Floe, Martin; Floyd,
Wayne; Geoghagan, Rina; Golosman, Daniel P; J askot, Stanley C; J ohnson, Anne; Kleitsch, Sue; Loveness,
Marilyn; Ota, Michelle; Pearl, Katrina M; Sammons, RJ ; Schweitzer, Melissa; Suleiman, J eanne M; Talbot, Sarah
M; Trotter, Walter; Watters, Cindy J ; Wynkoop, Keven
Subject: Re: Regional Meeting
Date: Saturday, J une 07, 2014 3:03:24 PM
Happy Sunny Saturday:
The DLT meeting next Tuesday is our final gathering, aside from the social that Melissa is coordinating on the
20th. When the last Regional meetings were being planned, I had looked at possibly switching to the afternoon of
the DLT meeting, but that was canceled when the other EDS opened their meetings to all of you.
Yesterday, while attending the RULER training hosted at Graham Hill, Michael Tolley shared further insight into
the math adoption and waiver requests. To be clear again, all of us would want the strongest math alignment
possible in the Elementary and K8 elementary classrooms. Within the actual Board policy, there is a specific bullet
that speaks to staff and community engagement. While it isn't completely spelled out, there must be some type of
engagement of your community for a waiver to be considered. The timeline for the adoption materials to be
purchased is locked (all the the wiggle in the schedule was used up by the debates back and forth, etc., so there
really is not extra time) with all orders going in next Wednesday or Thursday. I believe after DLT, the auditorium
will be available for Elementary and K8 principals to talk. I wish I could offer further advice, but this is something
all of you need to discuss and decide on. Again, we need to be as closely aligned as possible, to allow as much
collaboration and common planning across all of our buildings and regions.
Thanks,
Jon
Sent from my iPad
Jon Halfaker
Executive Director of Schools/NW Region
> On Jun 6, 2014, at 8:17 AM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> Is this still on??
>
>
>
> -----Original Appointment-----
>
> From: Halfaker, Jon
>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 4:02 PM
>
> To: Halfaker, Jon; Ayer, Erika J; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, Jennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy, Dedy G;
Floe, Martin; Floyd, Wayne; Geoghagan, Rina; Golosman, Da
> <meeting.ics>
From: Washington, Sahnica
To: Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Gallagher, Robert M;
Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Aleman, Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J ; Breidenbach, J ulie
Date: Saturday, J une 07, 2014 1:22:25 PM
We are still deciding


David and Vicki

David Dockendorf

To: Kischner, Gerrit; Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Washington,
Sahnica; Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Aleman, Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J ;
Breidenbach, J ulie
Date: Saturday, J une 07, 2014 10:45:51 AM
Thank you Gerrit. For WSE this isn't an issue. My staff is on board to use enVision and our Friday vote was 97%
for a waiver. Several teachers used it in the past and have advocated for it all year. But, for other schools the
waiver timeline is a problem. Any chance there will be an extension?
________________________________________
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 5:28 PM
To: Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Washington,
Sahnica; Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Aleman, Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J;
Breidenbach, Julie
Cc: Ayer, Erika J; Vela, Israel; Bowers, Joanne
Just wanting to check in on this Friday afternoon:
Schmitz Park will use the District-adopted curriculum, Math in Focus, next year. After six-years living with a
waiver (providing our own PD, training new teachers on our own, etc.), we are heavily invested in the Singapore
approach and feel that it strongly meets the needs of our students and teachers. We are happy at the prospect of
joining the mainstream!
I am concerned that making quick decisions about applying for a waiver could exacerbate the twists and turns this
adoption process has taken and that it is putting principals in the position of guiding their BLTs, staffs and
communities to correct the process without much information and, I fear, a lot of misinformation. We are asking
that principals have as much as time as possible to make this waiver decision so that they can properly engage their
staffs and communities and dont rush into a decision.
Hopefully, we can hold true to the implementation guidelines we set forth in the PASS letter, calmly resist the
inclination to react to the quick turn of events this week, and do right by ensuring that all schools are well-supported
and this implementation is well-resourced with appropriate planning and professional develop to ensure its success.
Have a good weekend.
Gerrit
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 1:58 PM
To: Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Washington, Sahnica; Gallagher,
Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Dockendorf, David; Aleman, Constance T;
Rhodes, Bruce J; Breidenbach, Julie
Cc: Ayer, Erika J; Vela, Israel; Bowers, Joanne
The elementary component of PASS is asking that each region find out what K-5 buildings are doing regarding the
math adoption. I spoke with Vicki earlier and we are collecting this information for the SW region and then
forwarding this information on to JoAnne Bower and Erika Ayer. If you could reply to this email with what your
building is doing around the math adoption; yes we are doing a waiver, no we are not doing a waiver, we are still
deciding as a building. Vicki and I will be contacting you at the end of the day if we have not heard back from
you. IF you have spoken with Vicki please still reply to this email so we have it documented.
David and Vicki
David Dockendorf
From: Mirabueno, Sara
To: Whitworth, Kim; Starosky, Michael
Subject: Fwd: Please adopt Math in Focus for J ohn Rogers
Date: Saturday, J une 07, 2014 7:29:00 AM
Hi Kim and Mike,
I need some support and advice around making this decision with my staff. We are meeting as
a staff on Monday to discuss and vote. To be honest I believe that Rogers would be fine with
either Math in Focus or enVision because we will need to supplement no matter what and to
me it's about the quality of teaching. On the other hand I agree with this parent below that
Math in Focus would be better for our Rogers kids.
I am feeling so frustrated by this process and angry about how this has gone. For once I would
have liked this decision to have been made for us so that this type of pressure was not placed
onto principals. I am feeling pressured by the principal core to go with enVision due to
supporting the process of the adoption committee and other curricular reasons but so far the
staff I have been talking to at Rogers want to go with Math in Focus.
I want to be unified with our district but yet want to support what I feel is right for my Rogers
students.
I would appreciate your thoughts and advice around where to go with this because you are
about two of three people in this district who I trust taking advice from.
Thanks,
Sara
Sent from my iPhone
From: Laura Spring <laura@springnet.org>
To: "Mirabueno, Sara" <srmirabueno@seattleschools.org>,
"declement@seattleschools.org" <declement@seattleschools.org>,
"jhclark@seattleschools.org" <jhclark@seattleschools.org>, Kim McCormick
<kim.mccormick@comcast.net>
Cc: Andrea Bergan <thebergans@comcast.net>, "Paul Weinstein (Home)"
<paularonw@gmail.com>, "Lisa Matsumoto (matsulisa@gmail.com)"
<matsulisa@gmail.com>, "anvandoren@gmail.com" <anvandoren@gmail.com>,
"Robin Goodman" <rgoody44@msn.com>
Subject: Please adopt Math in Focus for John Rogers
Hi Sara, et al,

Im writing to you as the principal and as BLT members to please adopt Math in Focus
for John Rogers, not EnVision. Based on the research showing that Singapore-based
Math in Focus much more adequately prepares children for higher level mathematics
like algebra and calculus, I was dismayed to see that the weaker EnVision Math
materials were recommended by the Math Adoption Committee instead. Imagine my
delight when the school board voted to adopt Math in Focus!

I strongly believe our John Rogers community will be better served by Math in Focus.
Based on what I have read and what parents in other schools and districts have told
me, EnVision is full of excessive reading and writing, making it a poor choice for
students who do not have strong reading skills or for whom English is a second
language. It also has a strong technology component, something John Rogers does
not currently have the resources to make use of. Math in Focus, on the other hand,
has a proven track record at schools like Schmitz Park and has the support of parents
around the district. Especially those parents whose students have already had a
Singapore-based math curriculum and are thrilled with how well their children are
learning math!

I understand the school district is pushing hard for schools to apply for a waiver to
teach EnVision, rather than the school board approved and recommended Math in
Focus. I strongly urge you, please, to NOT apply for the waiver and instead adopt
Math in Focus for John Rogers.

Thank you,
Laura Spring

***Please note, for some strange reason, ever since the schools computer system
was upgraded several weeks ago, no emails coming from a seattelschools.org
email address are delivered to me. KIM, please forward this email to other BLT
members I may have missed and if you would forward replies I would be grateful (in
the meantime, were trying to figure out why I cant get emails, as its rather
inconvenient!). ***
From: McKinney, Shannon
To: Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Collins, Christy A; Washington, Sahnica;
Gallagher, Robert M; Ostrom, Ben; Kischner, Gerrit; Aleman, Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J ; Breidenbach, J ulie
Date: Friday, J une 06, 2014 7:59:56 PM
K-5 STEM will use Math in Focus next year. Similar to Schmitz Park, we have operated under a waiver for
the last two years using Singapore Math. We also believe that it meets the needs of our students and
our teachers.
David and Vicki

David Dockendorf

From: Vela, Israel
To: Stanton, Shannon M
Subject: Re: Math Adoption Survey
Thanks Shannon. Great Leadership by you and your staff..
Is
From: <Stanton>, Shannon M <smstanton@seattleschools.org>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 4:06 PM
To: "Sacco, Vicki K" <vksacco@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Dockendorf, David" <ddockendorf@seattleschools.org>, SPS <isvela@seattleschools.org>
Thanks, Vicki. I just finished the staff meeting. I am very fortunate to work with a highly
professional staff. Truly, we are comfortable with either resource. After meeting today, our
strongest desire is to advocate for the best possible professional development, focused on
pedagogy. My teachers want to push their practice and support kids. We also want to stand
united with all elementary schools, advocating for one resource because we believe in consistency
for our students. SPS and PASS can count on us to join in on a united stance.

Thanks, also for your response and I certainly understand the request. I appreciate you and David
for gathering the information for our region (will you share a tally with us at some point?), and
representing us on all issues. I am not discomforted or concerned, I just want to express our
unique situation because I do think it is different from other schools.

Enjoy your weekend,
Shannon

Cc: Dockendorf, David

Shannon
This isnt a regional decision and has only arisen due to the actions of the school board.
David and I are both PASS representatives (he will be president next year) and our job is to
identify the schools to include in a waiver. I am not advocating for one vs. the other on a
regional level and I am in total agreement that we are adopting a resource vs. a curriculum.

Thank you for your well thought out e-mail; but this wasnt intended to make anyone feel
uncomfortable. I apologize if it appeared that way.

Vicki
From: Stanton, Shannon M
To: Dockendorf, David
Cc: Sacco, Vicki K; Bowers, J oanne; Vela, Israel; Ayer, Erika J

David and Vicki,

Thank you for gathering this information for the SW region. Let me cut to the chase first: we are
not decided as a building. I will call a staff meeting at the end of the day today. (You can stop
reading now, if you would like. J)

The longer backstory:

Alki is in a position different from most other schools in the district. And this is what I will discuss
with staff in a few minutes.

We are one of 2 schools that is currently using Math in Focus. When I arrived here last fall, I
learned that MiF was the curriculum being used and that a waiver had not been completed. I
wrote the waiver letter for our school, knowing that the math adoption was underway and that we
may not truly have a response on the waiver until a selection had been made.

As the selection process unfolded, our BLT and PTA had many discussions about all of the scenarios
that we could be facing once a decision was made. Ultimately, our stance included these
components:
 A belief that resource and curriculum are not
synonymous terms. Our goal is to build a strong curriculum comprised of the learning
standards, assessments, instructional strategies, student engagement and work, and the
resource.
 Our strongest priority is to ensure the best possible
math instruction for our students. We believe a strong curriculum and consistency across
schools can provide this.
 We value high quality, ongoing, training and
development of content expertise for our teachers.
 We will make a decision with an eye toward
sustainability in both funding materials and training staff over time.
 Our staff believes the choice of MiF or enVision will be
worthy resources. We would support the use of either MiF or enVision.

Personally, I am a proponent of standing strong and united with our region and the district and
advocating for one curriculum. As the leader in my school and community, I must also be
conscious of the fact that a process was used before my tenure to make the decision to use MiF.
Subsequently, our parents have invested heavily in providing the materials and training for our
school. I am cognizant of the fact that if I go enVision without community involvement, that
could be considered going against the recommendation and would be no different than the actions
taken by some of our school board members earlier this week. I am not interested in engaging in
or repeating those kinds of behaviors. I do believe I can work with my community to be supporters
of either curriculum; I just cant get there by Tuesday, June 10
th
.

I dont know how this is going to unfold or what I might be able to offer to our region and district as
we move forward. If you think that there is any part of this adds value to the collective discussion,
please let me know. I am happy to support the efforts. I will also get back to you with the outcome
of our staff discussion.

Again, thank you for your efforts,
Shannon


David and Vicki

David Dockendorf

From: J oung, Helen H
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: CCSS Math Alignment Data
Just came back from RULER training. I am so excited to implement this! I hope our entire district
could do this! Theres PD on June 23
rd
and 24
th
at JSCEE for teacher leaders. I will be attending
those dates too! I hope you can stop by. Have a great weekend!
Helen

Helen Joung, Principal
Olympic Hills Elementary
hhjoung@seattleschools.org
T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

To: Whitworth, Kim

Awesome! Marc is great!
Helen

Sent from my Samsung Smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Whitworth, Kim"
Date:06/06/2014 8:35 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: "Joung, Helen H"
Subject: Re: CCSS Math Alignment Data
How's it going?
KW

From: <Joung>, Helen Joung <hhjoung@seattleschools.org>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 8:22 AM

Thanks for forwarding the email. I 'm at RULER training.
Helen

Date:06/06/2014 8:20 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: "Sterk, Treena K" ,"Kokx, Sherri K" ,"Bowers, Joanne" ,"Nelsen, Debbie" ,"Jolly, Kathy" ,"Hudson, Jill"
,"Jenkins, Zoe" ,"Joung, Helen H" ,"Powell, Sandra C" ,"Merca, Roy" ,"Vance, Brian" ,"Dorsey, Barry"
,"Warren, Dan" ,"Miner, John" ,"Scott, Christopher E" ,"Skjei, Terri" ,"Sanger, Dan" ,"Mirabueno, Sara"
,"Whitworth, Kim" ,"Montgomery, Paula" ,"Castaneda, Tino A" ,"Lowe, David M"
Cc: "Aramaki, Kelly" ,"Vela, Israel" ,"Pritchett, Sarah J" ,"Halfaker, Jon"
Subject: FW: CCSS Math Alignment Data
This is from an Olympic Hills teacher who served on the math adoption
committee.
KW
On 6/5/14 11:00 PM, "Bermet, Deborah S" <dsbermet@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
>Helen,
>I think this data may be helpful as you discuss how to proceed with the
>math adoption / waiver process.
>It was part of a letter sent to the school board from one of the
>committee members. I found very similar misalignment in my review of
>grades K-3.
>Let me know if you want me to clarify any part of it or want the data for
>the primary grades.
>
>
>Debbie Bermet
>Math Specialist
>Olympic Hills School
From: Neil Gerrans
To: sjpritchett@seattleschools.org
Subject: Great News and Math Curriculum Update
Good Evening Lawton Community,
First, some great news. Lyon Terry has been named Puget Sound Teacher of the Year! The
Educational Service District selected him among candidates in a region that contains more
than 20,000 teachers. This also enters him as a candidate for Washington Teacher of the
Year. We are thrilled for this very deserving recognition of an exceptional teacher. We
surprised Mr. Terry at our morning assembly with this news, and students gave him a warm
show of appreciation.
Second, this morning Sister Schools returned from Uganda with pictures and videos to
inspire all of us to be generous and help out in the world. Seeing the impact of supplies
given in our Fall drive was inspiring, and I had tears in my eyes watching the dancing and
seeing the smiles on both the audience and the recipient faces. With the backdrop of the
terrible tragedy at Seattle Pacific University, I am grateful to see so many examples of
positive engagement and joy in our broader world and on our campus today.
Finally, as many of you know, Seattle Public Schools has been engaged in a process to adopt
a new math curriculum. A Math Adoption Committee was formed and made
recommendations to the school board. The link below talks about this process and the
recommendations:
Math Adoption Committee Process
The School Board voted to adopt the Math in Focus curriculum, in a split and contentious
vote, which was not the recommendation of the committee. A large number of elementary
schools, including many in our Queen Anne/Magnolia cluster are looking to request a waiver
to instead use the committees recommended curriculum: enVision Math.
This morning the staff met and were united in requesting a waiver to use the enVision Math
curriculum. Here was the staff rationale:
Differentiation is stronger/more supported in Envision
Alignment to CCSS is strong
Clear connections to literacy and other topics
Belief in the process and the recommendation of the Math Adoption Committee
The math committee included a Lawton parent who is also a high school math teacher, Beth
Orme, who has expressed openness to talking with parents and community members about
the curriculums. She can be reached at baorme@seattleschools.org.
The waiver submission deadline is this Tuesday, and I would welcome the chance to hear
from parents this weekend so I can share the feedback and input we receive with the staff.
On that note, I am off to the weekend. Make it a great one!
Neil Gerrans,
Lawton Principal
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To: Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K
Cc: Vela, Israel
Shannon,
I completely respect your position and the components in which you laid out. (I may steal them and
use them also). Very well stated and process. Thank you for your thoughtful response as we work
together as a region. We will share what we learn from our colleagues. Many need to wait until
next week to complete their process.
Have a great weekend,
David

To: Sacco, Vicki K
Cc: Dockendorf, David; Vela, Israel

Thanks, Vicki. I just finished the staff meeting. I am very fortunate to work with a highly
professional staff. Truly, we are comfortable with either resource. After meeting today, our
strongest desire is to advocate for the best possible professional development, focused on
pedagogy. My teachers want to push their practice and support kids. We also want to stand
united with all elementary schools, advocating for one resource because we believe in consistency
for our students. SPS and PASS can count on us to join in on a united stance.

Thanks, also for your response and I certainly understand the request. I appreciate you and David
for gathering the information for our region (will you share a tally with us at some point?), and
representing us on all issues. I am not discomforted or concerned, I just want to express our
unique situation because I do think it is different from other schools.

Enjoy your weekend,
Shannon

Cc: Dockendorf, David

Shannon
This isnt a regional decision and has only arisen due to the actions of the school board.
David and I are both PASS representatives (he will be president next year) and our job is to
identify the schools to include in a waiver. I am not advocating for one vs. the other on a
regional level and I am in total agreement that we are adopting a resource vs. a curriculum.

Thank you for your well thought out e-mail; but this wasnt intended to make anyone feel
uncomfortable. I apologize if it appeared that way.

Vicki
To: Dockendorf, David
Cc: Sacco, Vicki K; Bowers, J oanne; Vela, Israel; Ayer, Erika J

David and Vicki,

Thank you for gathering this information for the SW region. Let me cut to the chase first: we are
not decided as a building. I will call a staff meeting at the end of the day today. (You can stop
reading now, if you would like. J)

The longer backstory:

Alki is in a position different from most other schools in the district. And this is what I will discuss
with staff in a few minutes.

We are one of 2 schools that is currently using Math in Focus. When I arrived here last fall, I
learned that MiF was the curriculum being used and that a waiver had not been completed. I
wrote the waiver letter for our school, knowing that the math adoption was underway and that we
may not truly have a response on the waiver until a selection had been made.

As the selection process unfolded, our BLT and PTA had many discussions about all of the scenarios
that we could be facing once a decision was made. Ultimately, our stance included these
components:
A belief that resource and curriculum are not synonymous terms. Our goal is to build a
strong curriculum comprised of the learning standards, assessments, instructional
strategies, student engagement and work, and the resource.
Our strongest priority is to ensure the best possible math instruction for our students. We
believe a strong curriculum and consistency across schools can provide this.
We value high quality, ongoing, training and development of content expertise for our
teachers.
We will make a decision with an eye toward sustainability in both funding materials and
training staff over time.
Our staff believes the choice of MiF or enVision will be worthy resources. We would
support the use of either MiF or enVision.

Personally, I am a proponent of standing strong and united with our region and the district and
advocating for one curriculum. As the leader in my school and community, I must also be
conscious of the fact that a process was used before my tenure to make the decision to use MiF.
Subsequently, our parents have invested heavily in providing the materials and training for our
school. I am cognizant of the fact that if I go enVision without community involvement, that
could be considered going against the recommendation and would be no different than the actions
taken by some of our school board members earlier this week. I am not interested in engaging in
or repeating those kinds of behaviors. I do believe I can work with my community to be supporters
of either curriculum; I just cant get there by Tuesday, June 10
th
.

I dont know how this is going to unfold or what I might be able to offer to our region and district as
we move forward. If you think that there is any part of this adds value to the collective discussion,
please let me know. I am happy to support the efforts. I will also get back to you with the
outcome of our staff discussion.

Again, thank you for your efforts,
Shannon


David and Vicki

David Dockendorf

From: Ayer, Erika J
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: School Board vote
From: <McLaren>, Martha <mlmclaren@seattleschools.org>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 8:24 AM
To: "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray, Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna
L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W"
<addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee, Wyeth" <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary
Principals <Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>
Subject: School Board vote
Dear Principals,

This was not a capricious decision. It was about students.

Since I know how busy you are (note: I was a middle school math teacher), I will try to be brief. You
are welcome to email me with further questions, as this will not be detailed.

I deeply, deeply regret the false impression that the Board has not respected the work of the
committee.

Put simply, in the course of teaching middle and high school math starting in 1999, and researching
and observing math ed in recent years, I became painfully aware that the seemingly stodgy,
ignorant teachers and parents who questioned the text-heavy curricula knew more about helping
students succeed with math than I did. It was very hard to let go of my badge of expertise and to
start actually listening to them; I have come to have great respect for their wisdom.

While I also have enormous respect and appreciation for the outstanding work of the committee,
Ive learned that we teachers can have a blind spot and can summarily reject the wisdom of
community members (including many teachers, tutors, and IAs) who are comfortable with math,
who use it in their daily lives, and have developed deep knowledge about helping children master
math concepts and skills.

The committee identified three finalists, all of which would have been acceptable choices. Well
over 200 community members surveyed, including teachers, rated Math in Focus Singapore
highest, at a rate of 2:1, but the committee discounted them. The Singapore method, concrete to
visual to abstract, is key to the programs success. A great deal of Seattle (and Highline, with 70%
FRL students) experience says that ELL students, and others who have language challenges, can
succeed with Math in Focus, when text-heavy books, like enVision, can be an obstacle.

To honor this divergence of opinion between committee and community, I co-authored a dual
adoption motion. SPS Legal told us Monday that a dual adoption might well be illegal. Director
Peters and I question this, but felt compelled to change course. We chose to write a sole adoption
amendment for Math in Focus. Directors Peaslee and Patu were in support we all believe that
Math in Focus, with less text and its concrete-to-pictorial-to-symbolic method, will serve our many
disadvantaged learners best. It also serves other learners exceptionally well.

I acknowledge and appreciate your heavy responsibility, your expertise, and that of the committee.
As you who know me personally can attest, I have the utmost respect and admiration for principals
and teachers. I know from experience that we are all working towards the empowerment of our
students. I am optimistic that students in schools adopting Math in Focus Singapore can see the
kind of success that Schmitz Park students did between 2008 and 2011(going from about 50%
passing state test scores to over 90% for GenEd students.) Im hopeful that students in schools
with waivers for enVision will show excellent progress as well.

Yours truly,

Marty McLaren
Director, Seattle Public Schools District VI
martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org
Marty McLaren

From: Friesen, Rachel L
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: Math adoption
Yes.

To: Friesen, Rachel L
Subject: Re: Math adoption

Due on Tuesday, right?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 6, 2014, at 2:40 PM, "Friesen, Rachel L" <rlfriesen@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Thanks, I connected with Joanne, and plan to wait until I see what happens at the DLT
before responding.


Not sure about group waiver. Julie Briedenbach sent a template. Ask Dan. Also,
Joanne Bowers is elementary component president. Get in touch with her.
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Everyone,

Kim asked me to forward this. Hope you find it helpful.

Rachel

Cc: Dorsey, Barry

Rachel, can you please forward this email to the NE and the Exec
Directors? Good analysis. It will be helpful to principals.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 6, 2014, at 12:35 PM, "Friesen, Rachel L"
<rlfriesen@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Here you go. Please include me on the email so I will be
able to see the reply all responses.

Hi Everyone,

Barry asked me to give you my opinion on the math
adoption. I have several thoughts and will try to put them
together coherently here:

Excellent math instruction consists of 3 things: 1)
Conceptual Understanding 2) Computational Fluency and 3)
Application of the first two through problem solving. Math
in Focus is balanced more heavily towards conceptual
understanding and computational fluency, and not so
strong on the problem solving, but it is also more visually
friendly. Envision is stronger in terms of problem solving
and its alignment to the CCSS, and tends to be a little more
constructivist in nature.

While Envision fits more closely to my philosophy of math
instruction, I believe that both programs will be good for
students in different ways, and we will be able to use them
both well to teach math. No matter which program we
ultimately adopt, we all know that we will have to make it
fit for our school, district and the CCSS. Both programs had
to be strong in order to make it through the vetting process
and into the top recommendations from the committee.

All of that being said, I think we will have a stronger district,
and a better learning experience for children, if we all
adopt the same program. This will facilitate commonalities
for professional development, allow for more uniformity in
any augmentation that needs to be done (which might
make resources more affordable), allow us to better share
resources for showing parents how to help their students
at home, make it easier for students who move from one
school to another, and help our middle school and high
school colleagues to know what they can expect our
students to know and be able to do when they move up
from elementary. For that reason, although the timeline is
tight, Id like to wait and see how strong the support is
district-wide for a waiver before choosing whether or not
to join. Presently, there are many principals who are
considering a waiver. What I support the most strongly is
having one well-supported program.

I hope this adds to your own thinking about this issue, and
welcome your thoughts.

-Rachel

From: Dorsey, Barry
Subject: Math adoption

Rachel,

Can you send me your thoughts on the adoption. I think
staff would be very interested to know. You can send them
to me and I will pass them on to teachers.

B.

From: Thompson, Awnie
Subject: RE: Madness
Thanks, that helps a little. All the e-mails are saying 4:00 today.

Awnie Thompson
Principal
206-252-7400

To: Thompson, Awnie
Subject: Re: Madness

I think PASS just wants numbers of buildings leaning toward the waiver you have until the
10th.

Sarah
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 6, 2014, at 1:36 PM, "Thompson, Awnie" <ajthompson@seattleschools.org> wrote:
<image001.gif>
Sarah,
Is there any way to get more time for a waiver decision? We simply cannot have
a meaningful discussion with staff and vote today. I am getting so many e-mails
about presenting a united front and I just dont think we can make that decision
by 4:00. The schools that already had enVision, Im sure can but not those who
didnt.

Awnie Thompson
Principal
206-252-7400

To: LaRock, Brody
Cc: Hanson, Kari
Subject: Re: Waivers-time-sensitive
I would let them know that your building is tentatively going forward with the waiver and you will be
gathering the community input by the 10th. I think they just need numbers.
Sarah
From: <LaRock>, Brody LaRock <brlarock@seattleschools.org>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 2:50 PM
Cc: Kari Hanson <klhanson1@seattleschools.org>, Brody LaRock <brlarock@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: Waivers-time-sensitive
Hi Sarah,

Below is the email forwarded to me by Kari. Highlighted is the timeline we were asked for,
however if the waiver requires us to solicit community input in some form and the 10
th
is truly the
date we are aiming for, do we need to reply to this.

Of course I would be going to Kari with this however as we both know, she is out and tending to
family at this moment.

Thank you Sarah.

Brody LaRock, Ed.D.
Assistant Principal

201 Garfield Street
Seattle, Washington
206-252-2100

From: Hanson, Kari
To: LaRock, Brody
Subject: Fwd: Waivers-time-sensitive

Here you go. Let me know if you need help. You'll do great!
Kari Hanson
Principal, John Hay Elementary

Sent from my iPad
From: "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>
Date: June 6, 2014, 10:58:17 AM PDT
To: "Turner, Virginia" <vkturner@seattleschools.org>, "Imel, Greg"
<gimel@seattleschools.org>, "Hanson, Kari" <klhanson1@seattleschools.org>,
"Gerrans, Neil T" <ntgerrans@seattleschools.org>, "Claytor, Rhonda"
<rclaytor@seattleschools.org>, "Smith Jr., Marion J"
<mjsmithjr@seattleschools.org>, "Helm, Christine M"
<cmhelm@seattleschools.org>, "Breuder, Maria E"
<mebreuder@seattleschools.org>, "Thompson, Awnie"
<ajthompson@seattleschools.org>, "Elliott, David"
<delliott@seattleschools.org>, "Archer, Kelley A"
<kaarcher@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Ayers, Katherine" <kbayers@seattleschools.org>, "Bowers, Joanne"
<jbowers@seattleschools.org>, "Kischner, Gerrit"
<gakischner@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: Waivers-time-sensitive
Hi Elementary Principals of the Central Region,
You've been asked by PASS to email me (your Elementary Board Rep) with
whether or not your school's staff agrees to adopt EnVision.
If your staff votes yes then your school will be included on the one waiver
submitted to the school board. (And they will approve the waiver, per Harium
Martin-Morris.) The curriculum will be fully paid for with district funds.
We need your staff to vote today (if they haven't already). I am to report the
results of our Central Region at the latest by Saturday, June 7.
Claudia
From: Ayer, Erika J
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 9:35 PM
To: Pinchback-Jones, Anitra L; Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; Bowers, Joanne
Cc: Scarlett, Keisha; Dockendorf, David
Subject: Waivers-time-sensitive
Joann and I talked tonight and we think we have an opportunity to send a strong
message to the school board about the math decision through the waiver process.
Since we sent a letter from PASS stating we want one aligned curriculum, we
need to stand by our statement. Can you please contact (phone or email or text
whatever) your region to see if they support an elementary wide waiver? The
EDs have said they are seeking alignment, not a unanimous decision so I read that
to mean a few outliers will not damage an alignment. We need to make this a
priority this weekend so we don't lose time to get the right materials for
September.
Are you willing to contact them and report back to us all tomorrow afternoon or
Saturday morning?
Thanks!
Erika
From: Collins, Christy A
To: Dockendorf, David; Stanton, Shannon M; Sacco, Vicki K; Zavala, Norma; Washington, Sahnica; Gallagher, Robert
M; Ostrom, Ben; McKinney, Shannon; Kischner, Gerrit; Aleman, Constance T; Rhodes, Bruce J ; Breidenbach,
J ulie
Hello Fellow Colleagues,
Arbor Heights sent letters to the Board regarding the math adoption and process
yesterday. At this time we are talking as a staff this afternoon. I told Vicki I will let her
know later today.
Best to all!
Christy

Christy Collins
Principal, Arbor Heights Elementary
3701 SW 104th Street
Seattle, WA. 98146
206-252-9250
cacollins@seattleschools.org


David and Vicki

David Dockendorf

Cc: Dorsey, Barry
Maybe. Call Joanne Bowers.
Sent from my iPhone
Here you go. Please include me on the email so I will be able to see the reply all
responses.

Hi Everyone,

Barry asked me to give you my opinion on the math adoption, I have several thoughts
and will try to put them together coherently here:

Excellent math instruction consists of 3 things: 1) Conceptual Understanding 2)
Computational Fluency and 3) Application of the first two through problem solving.
Math in Focus is balanced more heavily towards conceptual understanding and
computational fluency, and not so strong on the problem solving, but it is also more
visually friendly. Envision is stronger in terms of problem solving and its alignment to
the CCSS, and tends to be a little more constructivist in nature.

While Envision fits more closely to my philosophy of math instruction, I believe that
both programs will be good for students in different ways, and we will be able to use
them both well to teach math. No matter which program we ultimately adopt, we all
know that we will have to make it fit for our school, district and the CCSS. Both
programs had to be strong in order to make it through the vetting process and into
the top recommendations from the committee.

All of that being said, I think we will have a stronger district, and a better learning
experience for children, if we all adopt the same program. This will facilitate
commonalities for professional development, allow for more uniformity in any
augmentation that needs to be done (which might make resources more affordable),
allow us to better share resources for showing parents how to help their students at
home, make it easier for students who move from one school to another, and help
our middle school and high school colleagues to know what they can expect our
students to know and be able to do when they move up from elementary. For that
reason, although the timeline is right, Id like to wait and see how strong the support
is district-wide for a waiver before choosing whether or not to join. Presently, there
are many principals who are considering a waiver. What I support the most strongly
is having one well-supported program.

I hope this adds to your own thinking about this issue, and welcome your thoughts.

-Rachel

From: Dorsey, Barry

Rachel,

Can you send me your thoughts on the adoption. I think staff would be very interested
to know. You can send them to me and I will pass them on to teachers.

B.

From: Friesen, Rachel L
To: Whitworth, Kim
Cc: Dorsey, Barry
Subject: RE: Math adoption
Hi Kim,

I will do that. Also, Id like to set up a meeting with Sacajawea staff for Tuesday after school so that
I can find out what the response has been at the DLT. Any idea whether the principals might
create one waiver with language that all of us can use if we decide to go that route?

Barry would it work to meet with staff right after school on Tuesday?

Thanks!

Cc: Dorsey, Barry

Rachel, can you please forward this email to the NE and the Exec Directors? Good analysis. It will be
helpful to principals.
Sent from my iPhone
responses.

Hi Everyone,






-Rachel

From: Dorsey, Barry

Rachel,


B.

Cc: Dorsey, Barry
Perfect. Keep in touch with your colleagues as this process continues. I recommend you both
meet with staff to discuss the waiver. I'll be out of cell service and back on Sunday night .
Keep me in the loop.
Sent from my iPhone
responses.

Hi Everyone,






-Rachel

From: Dorsey, Barry

Rachel,


B.

From: Ostrom, Ben
To: Vela, Israel; Stone, Sharon M; Cronas, Chris P
Importance: High
If there is a consensus or majority around the Envision waiver from the rest of the schools, I would
advocate for Highland Park to participate in the waiver. I believe it will serve Highland Park students and
our regions students best to have a consistent curriculum across schools. If any of you have a different
feeling, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ben
Benjamin Ostrom
Highland Park Principal
bostrom@seattleschools.org
206-252-8240
From: <Ostrom>, Ben Ostrom <bostrom@seattleschools.org>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 at 6:12 AM
To: Elementary Principals <Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>
Dear Colleagues,
I concur with our Ed directors that we have a chance to do the right thing for SPS students and choose a
system-wide curriculum. We are not trying to send a message to the board, we are delivering instruction
to students. Personally I dont think it makes a difference which set of math instructional materials we use
as a system, but it is important that we be consistent. We should all use the same program (with the
possible exception of option schools). That means some of us are ultimately going to have to compromise
to support equity for SPS students at as a whole.
Ed Directorsthis likely needs some DLT time.
Respectfully,
Ben
Benjamin Ostrom
206-252-8240
From: <Vela>, Israel <isvela@seattleschools.org>
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11:49 PM
To: "Rhodes, Bruce J" <bjrhodes@seattleschools.org>, Ben Ostrom <bostrom@seattleschools.org>,
"Sacco, Vicki K" <vksacco@seattleschools.org>, "Stanton, Shannon M"
<smstanton@seattleschools.org>, "Kischner, Gerrit" <gakischner@seattleschools.org>, "Gary,
<cortega@seattleschools.org>, "Fraser-Hammer, Aida" <aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org>, Jeff
Clark <jclark@seattleschools.org>, "Aleman, Constance T" <cothomas@seattleschools.org>,
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>,
"Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, "Vela, Israel" <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Breidenbach, Julie"
<jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>
Dear Principals,
Best,
From: Trotter, Walter
To: Halfaker, J on
Cc: Heath, Shauna L
Subject: MATH WAIVER - GREENWOOD
Date: Friday, J une 06, 2014 10:50:18 AM
To: Jon Halfaker
From: Dr. Walter M Trotter
Date: 6-6-14
Re: Math Curriculum Waiver

Below is our Waiver request to use enVision15 until further information on
the 2015 version of Math In Focus is provided for consideration:

Clearly state the rationale for using different materials and explain how the requested
materials will both raise overall achievement and close the achievement gap:

We are aware that enVision math curriculum is better aligned to the CCSS than the 2013
Math in Focus that was adopted. There is clear evidence that the achievement gap for
students most in need of math acceleration has been narrowed through the use of enVision
in current SPS schools. Several of my teachers are familiar with the enVision curriculum
and use it as a supplement to EDM.

Our focus and goal as a school is to have fidelity to implement the Common Core
standards. We are seeking to utilize a math curriculum that is best aligned to the Common
core standards. We know that the 2015 enVision curriculum is better aligned to the CCSS
than the 2013 Math In Focus, However, my understanding is that SPS will analyze the
2015 version of Math In Focus as early as next week and will have more information on
its alignment with CCSS. That being said, I am applying for a waiver to use enVision15 as
recommended by our adoption committee and would be willing to consider the 2015 version
of Math In Focus if it is found to be equally aligned to the Common Core standards as
enVision15.

*Please note that we know nothing about Math In Focus and have confidence in our math
adoption committee recommendation that enVision15 is best for our schools and district.

Indicate how the school staff and community has been involved in making the
recommendation to use alternative basic instructional materials, including information
on how the school-based decision matrix was used in this process and evidence that staff
have agreed to implement the alternative materials fully:

We had a staff meeting this morning and I met with BLT members yesterday. Greenwood K-
5 teachers and my BLT both unanimously agree on the above rationale for a waiver. Please
let me know if there is anything needed to secure our waiver. Thank you

Dr. Walter M. Trotter
Principal, Greenwood Elementary
206.252.1400
206.252.1405 (Voice mail)
206.252.1401(Fax)

From: Heath, Shauna L
Sent: Thursday, J une 05, 2014 11:29 AM
To: Trotter, Walter
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Halfaker, J on
Subject: RE: Math adoption update

Walter,

Per your request:

As you may know the SPS School Board adopted MiF tonight. We wanted to make you aware
that within the amendment schools that have an existing waiver may continue to use
alternative instructional materials and funding will be provided to purchase
materials. In addition, those schools that have been using an alternative
instructional material, including enVision and Go Math, may submit a waiver with
the expectation that it will be fully funded.

If you intend to use a material other than Math in Focus the waiver must be to your
Executive Director by by June 10 close of business for the purchase to be made by start
of school. If we do not receive your waiver by that time Math in Focus will be ordered
for your building.

The requirements of the waiver are below. Please note if you are requesting a waiver to use
enVision or Go Math you will only need to respond to questions 2 and 3 as the others have
been communicated through the adoption process.

1. Include evidence that the proposed alternative basic instructional material meets district
and state standards, and is research and evidence based; and
2. Clearly state the rationale for using different materials and explain how the requested
materials will both raise overall achievement and close the achievement gap; and
3. Indicate how the school staff and community has been involved in making the
on how the school-based decision matrix was used in this process and evidence that
staff have agreed to implement the alternative materials fully; and
4. Indicate how the waiver materials will be rolled out school-wide, including the
professional development plan; and
5. Identify district, school-based, or grant, or other funding that will be used to support the
purchase, upkeep, training and on-going professional development on these materials
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best,

Shauna

To: Heath, Shauna L

Hi Shauna,

Im getting questions around CCSS alignmentIs Math in Focus more aligned to the CCSS than
enVision? Thanks

206.252.1400
206.252.1405 (Voice mail)
206.252.1401(Fax)

To: Elementary Principals
Cc: Executive Directors of Schools; Tolley, Michael F; Rogers, Lesley A
Subject: Math adoption update

Dear Principals,

With a 4-3 vote, the Seattle School Board on Wednesday approved Math in Focus as the new
textbook for K-5
th
graders.

The vote came after a lengthy discussion about the merits of both Math in Focus and enVision
Math, which was the program recommended by the Math Adoption Committee. The new
textbooks and materials will be ordered this month and put to use in the 2014-15 school year.

We want to thank the teachers, principals, staff and community members who served on the Math Adoption
Committee. While the Board did not select their recommendation, we want to reiterate what we all know: math
education is about the quality of instruction. We will offer professional development that will help ensure a smooth
rollout of Math in Focus. Our goal was to select one math program for the fall, and we are pleased that we will be
able to make sure our students have textbooks in time for the 2014-15 school year.

Sincerely,

Michael Tolley and Shauna Heath

To: Whitworth, Kim
Thank you for getting me that important clarification.

Tino

Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
(206) 252-5670

Subject: Fwd: math adoption

Sent from my iPhone
From: "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>
To: "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>
Kim,
Michael will send this to the entire group, but you can share with Tino.
"The District will provide funds to effectively implement any waivers that are
approved."
Best,
Shauna
To: Heath, Shauna L; Castaneda, Tino A
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J; Whitworth, Kim; Vela,
Israel; Halfaker, Jon
I need to clarify, only the schools who currently have a waiver and are using
enVision math will have district funds? So, schools who currently don't have a
waiver and are not using enVision will have to come up with the funds on their
own?
KW
On 6/6/14 9:21 AM, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Tino,

Per your phone call:

As you may know the SPS School Board adopted MiF tonight. We
wanted to
make you aware that within the amendment schools that have an
existing
waiver may continue to use alternative instructional materials and
funding will be provided to purchase materials. In addition, those
schools that have been using an alternative instructional material,
including enVision and Go Math, may submit a waiver with the
expectation that it will be fully funded.

If you intend to use a material other than Math in Focus the waiver
must be to your Executive Director by by June 10 close of business
for
the purchase to be made by start of school. If we do not receive your
waiver by that time Math in Focus will be ordered for your building.

The requirements of the waiver are below. Please note if you are
requesting a waiver to use enVision or Go Math you will only need to
respond to questions 2 and 3 as the others have been communicated
through the adoption process.

1. Include evidence that the proposed alternative basic instructional
material meets district and state standards, and is research and
evidence based; and
2. Clearly state the rationale for using different materials and
explain
how the requested materials will both raise overall achievement and
close the achievement gap; and
3. Indicate how the school staff and community has been involved
in
making the recommendation to use alternative basic instructional
materials, including information on how the school-based decision
matrix was used in this process and evidence that staff have agreed to
implement the alternative materials fully; and
4. Indicate how the waiver materials will be rolled out school-wide,
including the professional development plan; and
5. Identify district, school-based, or grant, or other funding that will
be used to support the purchase, upkeep, training and on-going
professional development on these materials Please do not hesitate to
contact me if you have any questions.

Best,

Shauna

To: Heath, Shauna L

Shauna,

I just took over at the beginning of May for Chris Cronas as interim
principal at Wedgwood. Can you please inform me on the waiver
process
to apply for a waiver to use enVision Math? Most immediately it
would
be helpful to know the deadline for the waiver.

Thanks,

Tino

Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
(206) 252-5670


Hi there--

I would get the elementary teachers together and let them know what
is
happening. It's important that they are all giving their input about
which math curriculum they prefer. Tino if you could share past
emails
with David I will try to make sure he's included in the future.

Please review the curriculum waiver process and ask Shauna Heath
any
questions about that.

Best,
KW

Sent from my iPad

Subject: Fwd: School Board vote
Sent from my iPhone
From: "Jessee, Wyeth" <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>
To: Assistant Principals <AssistantPrincipals@seattleschools.org>
I wanted to make sure elementary and K-8 Assistant Principals were in the loop.
Regards,
Wyeth
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray, Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>,
"Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M"
<ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W" <addysart@seattleschools.org>,
Wyeth Jessee <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>,
SchoolBoard <SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>
Dear Principals,


Since I know how busy you are (note: I was a middle school math teacher), I will try to
be brief. You are welcome to email me with further questions, as this will not be
detailed.

I deeply, deeply regret the false impression that the Board has not respected the work
of the committee.

Put simply, in the course of teaching middle and high school math starting in 1999,
and researching and observing math ed in recent years, I became painfully aware that
the seemingly stodgy, ignorant teachers and parents who questioned the text-heavy
curricula knew more about helping students succeed with math than I did. It was
very hard to let go of my badge of expertise and to start actually listening to them; I
have come to have great respect for their wisdom.

While I also have enormous respect and appreciation for the outstanding work of the
committee, Ive learned that we teachers can have a blind spot and can summarily
reject the wisdom of community members (including many teachers, tutors, and IAs)
who are comfortable with math, who use it in their daily lives, and have developed
deep knowledge about helping children master math concepts and skills.

The committee identified three finalists, all of which would have been acceptable
choices. Well over 200 community members surveyed, including teachers, rated
Math in Focus Singapore highest, at a rate of 2:1, but the committee discounted
them. The Singapore method, concrete to visual to abstract, is key to the programs
success. A great deal of Seattle (and Highline, with 70% FRL students) experience says
that ELL students, and others who have language challenges, can succeed with Math
in Focus, when text-heavy books, like enVision, can be an obstacle.

To honor this divergence of opinion between committee and community, I co-
authored a dual adoption motion. SPS Legal told us Monday that a dual adoption
might well be illegal. Director Peters and I question this, but felt compelled to change
course. We chose to write a sole adoption amendment for Math in Focus. Directors
Peaslee and Patu were in support we all believe that Math in Focus, with less text
and its concrete-to-pictorial-to-symbolic method, will serve our many disadvantaged
learners best. It also serves other learners exceptionally well.

I acknowledge and appreciate your heavy responsibility, your expertise, and that of
the committee. As you who know me personally can attest, I have the utmost respect
and admiration for principals and teachers. I know from experience that we are all
working towards the empowerment of our students. I am optimistic that students in
schools adopting Math in Focus Singapore can see the kind of success that Schmitz
Park students did between 2008 and 2011(going from about 50% passing state test
scores to over 90% for GenEd students.) Im hopeful that students in schools with
waivers for enVision will show excellent progress as well.

Yours truly,

Marty McLaren
Marty McLaren

To: Castaneda, Tino A; Lowe, David M
From: <Trotter>, Walter <wtrotter@seattleschools.org>
Subject: RE: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
Heres a link (below) to the math adoption process.

information on the math adoption process.

206.252.1400
206.252.1405 (Voice mail)
206.252.1401(Fax)

From: Ostrom, Ben
Importance: High

Dear Colleagues,

I concur with our Ed directors that we have a chance to do the right thing for SPS students and choose a
system-wide curriculum. We are not trying to send a message to the board, we are delivering instruction
to students. Personally I dont think it makes a difference which set of math instructional materials we use
as a system, but it is important that we be consistent. We should all use the same program (with the
possible exception of option schools). That means some of us are ultimately going to have to compromise
to support equity for SPS students at as a whole.


Respectfully,

Ben

Benjamin Ostrom
206-252-8240


Dear Principals,




Best,
To: Castaneda, Tino A; Lowe, David M
Subject: FW: Fairmount Park math waiver for enVision
Attachments: mathwaiverFP2014.docx
Template for the waiver.
KW
From: <Breidenbach>, Julie <jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Fairmount Park math waiver for enVision
Colleagues-

I've received many inquiries about our waiver to use enVision for next year. This email is not to sway
your decision but to let you know what have planned for the opening of Fairmount Park next year.
AGAIN....I am not trying to influence you but am letting you look at our waiver should you be considering
the waiver process for your school.

I wrote this waiver in anticipation that the Math Adoption Committee's recommendation might not be the
officially adopted program. We've used enVision the past two years at Thurgood Marshall and have had
nothing but success with both my very diverse, ELL heavy general education rooms as well as APP
classrooms.

Couple things to note:

1) The enVision people accommodated me with a "trainer" to come out and train my staff how to use
the program. They did not charge for this.
2) One of my teachers knows the electronic portion of the program inside and out. You could probably
pay her to come to your building for a 1 hour training in your computer lab for accessing the electronic
portion of the materials.

Use or disregard as you please. I am not trying to stir up any more political arguments but just want to
get this out there as many of you have inquired about it. Feel free to use as much or little of this
document as you need.

J ulie

To: Sterk, Treena K; Kokx, Sherri K; Bowers, J oanne; Nelsen, Debbie; J olly, Kathy; Hudson, J ill; J enkins, Zoe; J oung,
Helen H; Powell, Sandra C; Merca, Roy; Vance, Brian; Dorsey, Barry; Warren, Dan; Miner, J ohn; Scott,
Christopher E; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Mirabueno, Sara; Whitworth, Kim; Montgomery, Paula; Castaneda, Tino
A; Lowe, David M
Subject: Waiver
From: <Heath>, Shauna L <slheath@seattleschools.org>
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 10:34 AM
To: "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>, "Breidenbach, Julie"
<jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>, "Claytor, Rhonda" <rclaytor@seattleschools.org>, "Morrison,
Laura" <lemorrison@seattleschools.org>, "Ostrom, Ben" <bostrom@seattleschools.org>,
"Gallagher, Robert M" <rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>, "McDaniel, Mary"
<mamcdaniel@seattleschools.org>, "Breuder, Maria E" <mebreuder@seattleschools.org>, "Helm,
Christine M" <cmhelm@seattleschools.org>, "Scarlett, Keisha" <kdscarlett@seattleschools.org>,
Debbie Nelsen <dnelsen@seattleschools.org>
Cc: Executive Directors of Schools <eds@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "English, Ron" <renglish@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Waiver
alternative instructional materials and funding will be provided to purchase materials. In
addition, those schools that have been using an alternative instructional material, including
enVision and Go Math, may submit a waiver with the expectation that it will be fully funded.

for your building.


have agreed to implement the alternative materials fully; and

Best,

Shauna
Subject: FW: Waiver
From: <Heath>, Shauna L <slheath@seattleschools.org>
To: "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>, "Breidenbach, Julie"
<jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>, "Claytor, Rhonda" <rclaytor@seattleschools.org>, "Morrison,
Laura" <lemorrison@seattleschools.org>, "Ostrom, Ben" <bostrom@seattleschools.org>,
"Gallagher, Robert M" <rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>, "McDaniel, Mary"
<mamcdaniel@seattleschools.org>, "Breuder, Maria E" <mebreuder@seattleschools.org>, "Helm,
Christine M" <cmhelm@seattleschools.org>, "Scarlett, Keisha" <kdscarlett@seattleschools.org>,
Debbie Nelsen <dnelsen@seattleschools.org>
Cc: Executive Directors of Schools <eds@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "English, Ron" <renglish@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Waiver

for your building.



Best,

Shauna
To: Bowers, J oanne; Castaneda, Tino A; Lowe, David M
Joanne--
Can you please keep Tino Castaneda and David Lowe in the loop while they take care of Wedgwood? I'm
not sure they're on all the principal emails. I'm going to be leaving in an hour or so and will be without
technology. I'm back Sunday night and can take over. Please let me know if this is okay.
Thanks,
KW
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray, Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna
L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W"
<addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee, Wyeth" <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary
Principals <Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>
Dear Principals,


Since I know how busy you are (note: I was a middle school math teacher), I will try to be brief. You
are welcome to email me with further questions, as this will not be detailed.

I deeply, deeply regret the false impression that the Board has not respected the work of the
committee.

Put simply, in the course of teaching middle and high school math starting in 1999, and researching
and observing math ed in recent years, I became painfully aware that the seemingly stodgy,
ignorant teachers and parents who questioned the text-heavy curricula knew more about helping
students succeed with math than I did. It was very hard to let go of my badge of expertise and to
start actually listening to them; I have come to have great respect for their wisdom.

While I also have enormous respect and appreciation for the outstanding work of the committee,
Ive learned that we teachers can have a blind spot and can summarily reject the wisdom of
community members (including many teachers, tutors, and IAs) who are comfortable with math,
who use it in their daily lives, and have developed deep knowledge about helping children master
math concepts and skills.

The committee identified three finalists, all of which would have been acceptable choices. Well
over 200 community members surveyed, including teachers, rated Math in Focus Singapore
highest, at a rate of 2:1, but the committee discounted them. The Singapore method, concrete to
visual to abstract, is key to the programs success. A great deal of Seattle (and Highline, with 70%
FRL students) experience says that ELL students, and others who have language challenges, can
succeed with Math in Focus, when text-heavy books, like enVision, can be an obstacle.

To honor this divergence of opinion between committee and community, I co-authored a dual
adoption motion. SPS Legal told us Monday that a dual adoption might well be illegal. Director
Peters and I question this, but felt compelled to change course. We chose to write a sole adoption
amendment for Math in Focus. Directors Peaslee and Patu were in support we all believe that
Math in Focus, with less text and its concrete-to-pictorial-to-symbolic method, will serve our many
disadvantaged learners best. It also serves other learners exceptionally well.

I acknowledge and appreciate your heavy responsibility, your expertise, and that of the committee.
As you who know me personally can attest, I have the utmost respect and admiration for principals
and teachers. I know from experience that we are all working towards the empowerment of our
students. I am optimistic that students in schools adopting Math in Focus Singapore can see the
kind of success that Schmitz Park students did between 2008 and 2011(going from about 50%
passing state test scores to over 90% for GenEd students.) Im hopeful that students in schools
with waivers for enVision will show excellent progress as well.

Yours truly,

Marty McLaren
Marty McLaren

From: Archer, Kelley A
To: Bowers, J oanne; Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael
F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy
Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); "Anna"; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander
Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com;
sophia behler; sschmick@aerotek.com
Subject: RE: Waiver for EnVision Due J UNE 13
I know you said not to respond if we will support the waiver but for concrete numbers, Stevens
supports the waiver as well.

Sent: Thursday, J une 05, 2014 4:32 PM
To: Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F;
Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals;
Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn
Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net;
paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia behler; sschmick@aerotek.com

So the interesting question is how many schools are applying for the waiver? I know of 20 so far.

To: Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G;
Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi
Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh

I share your feelings Claudia. I e-mailed Marty McLaren to express my dismay.
Shauna assured me that I can submit a waiver for enVision despite the fact
that I havent used it in the past. She also said it wouldnt cost my school
anything additional to get Envision15. I plan on doing this tomorrow!

Thank you Julie for sending out the language in your waiver.

Vicki

From: Allan, Claudia
To: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna
L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Allan, Claudia; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh
Subject: Waiver for EnVision Due J UNE 13
Importance: High

I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School Board. Our School Board
should have made a provision for schools who wish to use Envision15 be permitted to do so. Our
only option now is to request a waiver in order to use EnVision15.
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your waiver include a
stipulation that our district be permitted to use designated funds to fully support your purchase of
EnVision.

I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a waiver to use the curriculum
this year. I was recently advised that our students made the most gains on the MBA district wide.

Claudia Allan, Principal
Montlake Elementary

ARTS EDUCATION NOW. INNOVATIVE MINDS TOMORROW.
www.CreativeAdvantageSchools.org

From: J essee, Wyeth
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: Re: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
I don't really want to open up another thread of e-mail, but this is a
time for leadership. Everyone needs to be on the same page to make this
right by students, families and staff.
On 6/6/14 6:42 AM, "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>In case you didn't see this.
>
>
>
>On 6/6/14 6:30 AM, "Johnson, Anne" <ajohnson@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
>>I agree Ben. Thanks for stating it so clearly.
>>________________________________________
>>From: Ostrom, Ben
>>Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 6:13 AM
>>To: Elementary Principals
>>Subject: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
>>
>>Dear Colleagues,
>>
>>I concur with our Ed directors that we have a chance to do the right
>>thing for SPS students and choose a system-wide curriculum. We are not
>>trying to send a message to the board, we are delivering instruction to
>>students. Personally I dont think it makes a difference which set of
>>math instructional materials we use as a system, but it is important
>>that we be consistent. We should all use the same program (with the
>>possible exception of option schools). That means some of us are
>>ultimately going to have to compromise to support equity for SPS students
>>at as a whole.
>>
>>Ed Directorsthis likely needs some DLT time.
>>
>>Respectfully,
>>
>>Ben
>>
>>Benjamin Ostrom
>>Highland Park Principal
>>bostrom@seattleschools.org
>>206-252-8240
>>
>>
>>From: <Vela>, Israel
>><isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>
>>Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11:49 PM
>>To: "Rhodes, Bruce J"
>><bjrhodes@seattleschools.org<mailto:bjrhodes@seattleschools.org>>, Ben
>>Ostrom <bostrom@seattleschools.org<mailto:bostrom@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Sacco, Vicki K"
>><vksacco@seattleschools.org<mailto:vksacco@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Stanton, Shannon M"
>><smstanton@seattleschools.org<mailto:smstanton@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Kischner, Gerrit"
>><gakischner@seattleschools.org<mailto:gakischner@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Gary, Robert"
>><rgary@seattleschools.org<mailto:rgary@seattleschools.org>>, "Gallagher,
>>Robert M"
>><rmgallagher@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Medsker, Ruth"
>><rmedsker@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmedsker@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Washington, Sahnica"
>><smwashington@seattleschools.org<mailto:smwashington@seattleschools.org>>
>>,
>> "Collins, Christy A"
>><cacollins@seattleschools.org<mailto:cacollins@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Dockendorf, David"
>><ddockendorf@seattleschools.org<mailto:ddockendorf@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Nash, Cindy L"
>><cortega@seattleschools.org<mailto:cortega@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Fraser-Hammer, Aida"
>><aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org<mailto:aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org>>
>>,
>> Jeff Clark
>><jclark@seattleschools.org<mailto:jclark@seattleschools.org>>, "Aleman,
>>Constance T"
>><cothomas@seattleschools.org<mailto:cothomas@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"McKinney, Shannon"
>><shmckinney@seattleschools.org<mailto:shmckinney@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Zavala, Norma"
>><ngzavala@seattleschools.org<mailto:ngzavala@seattleschools.org>>
>>Cc: "Tolley, Michael F"
>><mftolley@seattleschools.org<mailto:mftolley@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Whitworth, Kim"
>><kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org<mailto:kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Pritchett, Sarah J"
>><sjpritchett@seattleschools.org<mailto:sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Aramaki, Kelly"
>><kearamaki@seattleschools.org<mailto:kearamaki@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Halfaker, Jon"
>><johalfaker@seattleschools.org<mailto:johalfaker@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Vela, Israel"
>><isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>,
>>"Breidenbach, Julie"
>><jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org<mailto:jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org
>>>
>>>
>>Subject: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
>>
>>
>>
>>Dear Principals,
>>
>>We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience.
>> There are many of you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision
>>Math in the 2014-2015 school year. The EDS's strongly believe that a
>>common curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning
>>and equity.
>>
>>We are asking that the elementary and K-8 components of the Principal
>>corp come to consensus on a preference for a math curriculum and either
>>write a waiver to implement enVision Math or take the board's decision
>>and implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a
>>single curriculum by either accepting the board decision or writing a
>>waiver.
>>
>>We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students
>>in your building and the District as a whole. Please let us know what we
>>can do to support you with this work.
>>
>>Best,
>>Executive Directors of Schools
>
From: J essee, Wyeth
To: Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly
Cc: Whitworth, Kim; Tolley, Michael F; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Halfaker, J on
The conversation is targeted to elementary and K-8 principals. It is only a half-day DLT. We can shuffle the
agenda and cut DLT short and have ES and K8 stay later or we can simply hold this conversation with all
who need to be involved right at noon. Also, I planned to have central office cheer the principals as they
leave. Michael?
Wyeth
To: "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Gonzales-
Millsap, Maria" <mpgonzalesmill@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, Wyeth Jessee <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>
Yes. We also need to add to EDS agenda next week.
Israel Vela
Executive Director of Schools
Southwest Region
On Jun 6, 2014, at 6:48 AM, "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Agreed (added Wyeth).
Kelly
To: SPS <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, Sarah Pritchett <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>,
"Gonzales-Millsap, Maria" <mpgonzalesmill@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, "Vela, Israel" <isvela@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Fwd: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
This is something that will need to be discussed at DLT. We need to give them this time.
KW
Sent from my iPad
From: "Johnson, Anne" <ajohnson@seattleschools.org>
To: "Ostrom, Ben" <bostrom@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>
I agree Ben. Thanks for stating it so clearly.
________________________________________
From: Ostrom, Ben
Dear Colleagues,
I concur with our Ed directors that we have a chance to do the right thing for
SPS students and choose a system-wide curriculum. We are not trying to send
a message to the board, we are delivering instruction to students. Personally
I dont think it makes a difference which set of math instructional materials we
use as a system, but it is important that we be consistent. We should all use
the same program (with the possible exception of option schools). That
means some of us are ultimately going to have to compromise to support
equity for SPS students at as a whole.
Respectfully,
Ben
Benjamin Ostrom
206-252-8240
From: <Vela>, Israel
<isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>
To: "Rhodes, Bruce J"
<bjrhodes@seattleschools.org<mailto:bjrhodes@seattleschools.org>>, Ben
Ostrom <bostrom@seattleschools.org<mailto:bostrom@seattleschools.org>>,
"Sacco, Vicki K"
<vksacco@seattleschools.org<mailto:vksacco@seattleschools.org>>,
"Stanton, Shannon M"
<smstanton@seattleschools.org<mailto:smstanton@seattleschools.org>>,
"Kischner, Gerrit"
<gakischner@seattleschools.org<mailto:gakischner@seattleschools.org>>,
"Gary, Robert"
<rgary@seattleschools.org<mailto:rgary@seattleschools.org>>, "Gallagher,
Robert M"
<rmgallagher@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>>,
"Medsker, Ruth"
<rmedsker@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmedsker@seattleschools.org>>,
"Washington, Sahnica"
<smwashington@seattleschools.org<mailto:smwashington@seattleschools.or
g>>, "Collins, Christy A"
<cacollins@seattleschools.org<mailto:cacollins@seattleschools.org>>,
"Dockendorf, David"
<ddockendorf@seattleschools.org<mailto:ddockendorf@seattleschools.org>>
, "Nash, Cindy L"
<cortega@seattleschools.org<mailto:cortega@seattleschools.org>>, "Fraser-
Hammer, Aida"
<aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org<mailto:aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org
>>, Jeff Clark <jclark@seattleschools.org<mailto:jclark@seattleschools.org>>,
"Aleman, Constance T"
<cothomas@seattleschools.org<mailto:cothomas@seattleschools.org>>,
"McKinney, Shannon"
<shmckinney@seattleschools.org<mailto:shmckinney@seattleschools.org>>,
"Zavala, Norma"
<ngzavala@seattleschools.org<mailto:ngzavala@seattleschools.org>>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org<mailto:mftolley@seattleschools.org>>,
"Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org<mailto:kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>>
, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org<mailto:sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>>,
"Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org<mailto:kearamaki@seattleschools.org>>,
"Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org<mailto:johalfaker@seattleschools.org>>,
"Vela, Israel" <isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>,
"Breidenbach, Julie"
<jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org<mailto:jabreidenbach@seattleschools.or
g>>
Dear Principals,
We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience.
There are many of you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision
Math in the 2014-2015 school year. The EDS's strongly believe that a common
curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and equity.
We are asking that the elementary and K-8 components of the Principal corp
come to consensus on a preference for a math curriculum and either write a
waiver to implement enVision Math or take the board's decision and
implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a single
We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your
building and the District as a whole. Please let us know what we can do to
support you with this work.
Best,
Subject: Fwd: waiver
Attachments: image001.jpg
image002.gif
Sent from my iPad
From: "Bowers, Joanne" <jbowers@seattleschools.org>
Subject: waiver
Hello Principals,

I have just spoken with a representative from our EDs and they are in support of us
creating a waiver as a component all together stating that we would like to follow
the process of requesting a waiver for enVision as outlined by the school board. The
caveat to this is they want all of us to decide on one curriculum. They would like us
all to be consistent across the district. I agree and we already stated this in the letter
that Gerrit so wonderfully wrote to the school board before they voted. Our voice
can be big and can be heard if we make this decision to all ask for the waiver to use
enVision. Julie Breidenbach has provided a wonderful skeleton of a waiver we can
use and all sign and come together as elementary principals and demand the respect
we deserve from our school board just by following their process. Please only email
me if you are not wanting to be on the waiver. Gerrit, if we have dissenting
principals, do we have a process in the PASS for decision making?

We need to act quickly.

Although it was not stated, I am inferring that if we do not come together as a
component to write this waiver, we may all end up with Math In Focus just so it is
consistent across the district.

Thanks,

Joanne Bowers
206-252-5320

Albert Einstein

Subject: Fwd: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math Adoption and waiver
Sent from my iPad
From: "Johnson, Anne" <ajohnson@seattleschools.org>
To: "Ostrom, Ben" <bostrom@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>
I agree Ben. Thanks for stating it so clearly.
________________________________________
From: Ostrom, Ben
Dear Colleagues,
I concur with our Ed directors that we have a chance to do the right thing for SPS
students and choose a system-wide curriculum. We are not trying to send a
message to the board, we are delivering instruction to students. Personally I
dont think it makes a difference which set of math instructional materials we use
as a system, but it is important that we be consistent. We should all use the same
program (with the possible exception of option schools). That means some of us
are ultimately going to have to compromise to support equity for SPS students at
as a whole.
Respectfully,
Ben
Benjamin Ostrom
206-252-8240
From: <Vela>, Israel
<isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>
To: "Rhodes, Bruce J"
<bjrhodes@seattleschools.org<mailto:bjrhodes@seattleschools.org>>, Ben
Ostrom <bostrom@seattleschools.org<mailto:bostrom@seattleschools.org>>,
"Sacco, Vicki K"
<vksacco@seattleschools.org<mailto:vksacco@seattleschools.org>>, "Stanton,
Shannon M"
<smstanton@seattleschools.org<mailto:smstanton@seattleschools.org>>,
"Kischner, Gerrit"
<gakischner@seattleschools.org<mailto:gakischner@seattleschools.org>>,
"Gary, Robert" <rgary@seattleschools.org<mailto:rgary@seattleschools.org>>,
"Gallagher, Robert M"
<rmgallagher@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmgallagher@seattleschools.org>>,
"Medsker, Ruth"
<rmedsker@seattleschools.org<mailto:rmedsker@seattleschools.org>>,
"Washington, Sahnica"
<smwashington@seattleschools.org<mailto:smwashington@seattleschools.org>>,
"Collins, Christy A"
<cacollins@seattleschools.org<mailto:cacollins@seattleschools.org>>,
"Dockendorf, David"
<ddockendorf@seattleschools.org<mailto:ddockendorf@seattleschools.org>>,
"Nash, Cindy L"
<cortega@seattleschools.org<mailto:cortega@seattleschools.org>>, "Fraser-
Hammer, Aida"
<aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org<mailto:aifraserhamm@seattleschools.org>>,
Jeff Clark <jclark@seattleschools.org<mailto:jclark@seattleschools.org>>,
"Aleman, Constance T"
<cothomas@seattleschools.org<mailto:cothomas@seattleschools.org>>,
"McKinney, Shannon"
<shmckinney@seattleschools.org<mailto:shmckinney@seattleschools.org>>,
"Zavala, Norma"
<ngzavala@seattleschools.org<mailto:ngzavala@seattleschools.org>>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org<mailto:mftolley@seattleschools.org>>,
"Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org<mailto:kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>>,
"Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org<mailto:sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>>,
"Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org<mailto:kearamaki@seattleschools.org>>,
"Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org<mailto:johalfaker@seattleschools.org>>, "Vela,
Israel" <isvela@seattleschools.org<mailto:isvela@seattleschools.org>>,
"Breidenbach, Julie"
<jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org<mailto:jabreidenbach@seattleschools.org>>
Dear Principals,
We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience.
There are many of you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math
in the 2014-2015 school year. The EDS's strongly believe that a common
curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and equity.
We are asking that the elementary and K-8 components of the Principal corp
come to consensus on a preference for a math curriculum and either write a
waiver to implement enVision Math or take the board's decision and implement
Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a single curriculum by
either accepting the board decision or writing a waiver.
We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your
building and the District as a whole. Please let us know what we can do to
support you with this work.
Best,
From: Morrison, Laura
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: Re: Envision waiver
Already here!
:)
Sent from my iPhone
Let's talk this morning. I'm fine with a regional or district waiver for enVision.
What time are you going to be in?
Kelly
From: <Morrison>, Laura Morrison <lemorrison@seattleschools.org>
To: SPS <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Envision waiver
Hi there,
If there is mobility for enVision in SE, I will apply for GH. I respect the reasons that
youd like us all doing the same thing, so unless there is some intent for the region to
apply for a waiver, I will encourage my staff to accept MiF and will not submit a
waiver by the 10
th
. Shauna is waiting for me to call her back.

LM
To: Lute-Ervin, J o
Subject: Re: Waiver
Hm . . . The EDS would like to go with one curriculum for the whole district, but I haven't really thought
about a regional waiver in case that doesn't work. Let's talk this morning at RULER.
Kelly
From: <Lute-Ervin>, Jo <jlervin@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: Waiver
Kelly,

One of my teachers was on the selection committee and is upset that the board did not choose the
recommended adoption. Do you suggest that all SE schools choose EnVision Math, or stay with the
board adopted curriculum? Since EnVision was recommended by the committee, it would seem
the best choice for us to stay with. Should there at least be a wavier for SE schools so that were all
using the same curriculum? If so, who does the area wavier, or do we all have to submit individual
school waviers by Monday 6/10 to make this happen?

Jo

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

To: Gallagher, Robert M; !Montlake Allstaff; Gray, Melissa G; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
Cc: Elementary Principals
Subject: RE: Waiver

Hello Robert,
I was just contacted by Shauna Heath, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction She
confirmed that Montlakes 2013-14 waiver is valid for EnVision15 as we move forward.
Therefore Montlake is not required to submit a new waiver by the June 10
deadline AND the cost of EnVision will be funded by our district!
She advised me that our district executive directors are working out now
how best to handle the process for all schools interested in using EnVision15.

Montlake Elementary


From: Gallagher, Robert M
To: Allan, Claudia; Breidenbach, J ulie; Claytor, Rhonda; Morrison, Laura; Ostrom, Ben; McDaniel, Mary;
Breuder, Maria E; Helm, Christine M; Scarlett, Keisha; Nelsen, Debbie
Subject: RE: Waiver

Dear Principals,

How many of you are going to continue with the waiver and use envisions?

Sincerely,

Robert Gallagher
Principal
Lafayette Elementary School
206-252-9500

To: Allan, Claudia; Breidenbach, J ulie; Claytor, Rhonda; Morrison, Laura; Ostrom, Ben; Gallagher, Robert
M; McDaniel, Mary; Breuder, Maria E; Helm, Christine M; Scarlett, Keisha; Nelsen, Debbie
Cc: Executive Directors of Schools; Tolley, Michael F; English, Ron
Subject: Waiver


for your building.



Best,

Shauna
From: Ostrom, Ben
To: Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly
Importance: High
Israel and Kelly,
I know this is a political hot topic. I am not certain our strongly opinioned principal core a will be able to
come to a consensus. Shauna told me that the waivers have to be approved by instructional ED's. I
personally think in this case the EDs should listen to the principal corps opinions, come to an ED
consensus, and then reject all waiver applications if the principal corps cant come to consensus to do a
waiver as a whole. I would whole heartedly stand up for you, and so would many others.
Just my two cents.
Thanks,
Ben
Benjamin Ostrom
206-252-8240
Dear Principals,
Best,
From: Vela, Israel
Subject: Re: letter from world language
Date: Thursday, J une 05, 2014 11:58:43 PM
I will simply bring it up. No problem. I am most concerned with the Math adopting issue and the long
term affect(s) it can/sill have on us and SPS in the future. It will take a long time to build/rebuild trust
after something like this (or what I fear will happen) happening to the largest district in the state.
Is
Subject: RE: letter from world language
Does the follow-up on the HIB accusation at K 5 STEM warrant discussion? Just asking..
Jeanne

From: Vela, Israel
Subject: Fwd: letter from world language

I meet with Michael tomorrow morning at 8:30. Can you develop a half sheet agenda for me
meeitng. topics are below in order. I know I need to be at Grahn Hill all day but Michael requested
this time and I need to take him up on this time.
Thanks,
Is
1. Madison Enrollment and AP
2. World Language Letter and possible response
3. Math Adoption EDS messaging
4. Other?
Israel Vela
Southwest Region

From: "Patman, Joy" <jkpatman@seattleschools.org>
To: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Vela, Israel"
<isvela@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Banda, Jose L" <jlbanda@seattleschools.org>
Subject: letter from world language
Attached please find a letter voicing the concerns of many World Language teachers
throughout the district.
The WSHS World Language dept stands behind its contents.

Thank you, in advance, for the attention you will give to this matter.

jkp

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

language is the old growth forest
of the mind.

-wade davis,
national geographic anthropologist

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

joy patman
uw extension lecturer (uwhs sp103,)
spanish teacher,
and dept head,
world languages

west seattle high school
3000 california ave sw
seattle, washington 98116
usa
t-206.252.8896
f-206.252.8801

To: Vela, Israel
Hi Is,
Looking forward to talking with you about this -- it's really messy, and I hate that principals (and you) are
being put in this position. It's particularly hard in SW where we have such a strong experience with
Singapore.
Gerrit
From: Vela, Israel
To: Rhodes, Bruce J ; Ostrom, Ben; Sacco, Vicki K; Stanton, Shannon M; Kischner, Gerrit; Gary, Robert;
Gallagher, Robert M; Medsker, Ruth; Washington, Sahnica; Collins, Christy A; Dockendorf, David; Nash,
Cindy L; Fraser-Hammer, Aida; Clark, J eff; Aleman, Constance T; McKinney, Shannon; Zavala, Norma
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; Vela, Israel;
Breidenbach, J ulie
Dear Principals,
Best,
From: Rhodes, Bruce J
To: Ayer, Erika J ; J oung, Helen H
Cc: Schweitzer, Melissa; Lute-Ervin, J o; McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard;
Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee,
Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining,
E. J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred
(kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov;
markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia behler; sschmick@aerotek.com
Thanks, Erika.
Many of us will be at RULER Training tomorrow, so we will be checking in throughout the day.
Bruce
From: Ayer, Erika J
To: J oung, Helen H
Cc: Schweitzer, Melissa; Lute-Ervin, J o; McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff;
SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M;
Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com);
Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill
Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com);
Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia behler;
sschmick@aerotek.com
Subject: Re: Waiver for EnVision Due J UNE 13
Joann and I are going to talk tomorrow morning and we will communicate with the other
PASS elementary component board members. She and I will try to get some answers for you
soon. Please respond back to an email or phone call from your PASS regional rep once you
hear from them so we can determine quickly the best course of action.
Thanks!
Erika Ayer
On Jun 5, 2014, at 5:48 PM, "Joung, Helen H" <hhjoung@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hi,
With so many schools applying for waivers, are we sure that the district will have
enough funds to purchase Envision for everyone? This is my biggest fear. I have no
time to waste and the thought of trying to figure out how to pay after the fact is
frightening! If that happens, I would have to use MIF anyways because I have no
extra funds to pay for Envision. This means more time wasted on trying to get a
curriculum when I could invest my energy in planning for fall with teachers now.
Alignment between schools is priority but my budget reality is also something to
consider because it may end up being at the expense of my students not getting the
curriculum in time. No curriculum is perfect. Olympic Hills will do whatever it takes
to fill the holes in any curriculum with success as we have always done. Can someone
please reassure me that the district will pay for the curriculum for every school that
applies for a waiver?
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

From: Schweitzer, Melissa
To: Lute-Ervin, J o
Cc: McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah
J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W;
J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com);
Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg
Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net;

I agree with unification and with supporting the adoption committee's
recommendation.
Melissa Schweitzer
Whittier Elementary, Principal
Mdschweitzer@seattleschools.org
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:49 PM, "Lute-Ervin, Jo" <jlervin@seattleschools.org> wrote:
I agree with Cothronone wavier for all of us. That way well know if
were using the same curriculum, especially if were in the same region.

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

From: McMillian, Cothron L.
To: Allan, Claudia
Cc: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F;
Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee,
Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina
Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred
(kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com);
Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com;

Why don't PASS just write the waiver on behalf of those who want it?
One document with all signatures electronically or however so we can
also show we're together. Just my two cents worth.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:23 PM, "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by
our School Board. Our School Board should have made a
provision for schools who wish to use Envision15 be
permitted to do so. Our only option now is to request a
waiver in order to use EnVision15.
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I
recommend that your waiver include a stipulation that our
district be permitted to use designated funds to fully
support your purchase of EnVision.

I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was
granted a waiver to use the curriculum this year. I was
recently advised that our students made the most gains on
the MBA district wide.

Montlake Elementary

ARTS EDUCATION NOW. INNOVATIVE MINDS
TOMORROW.

To: Ayer, Erika J
Subject: Re: email Elementary and K8 Principals
I believe yes on the funding side. As to unanimous I can't say. Our desire is alignment.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:49 PM, "Ayer, Erika J" <ejayer@seattleschools.org> wrote:
So does it need to be unanimous and will district pay for materials and PD?
Erika
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:47 PM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
Got it. All I can say is that aligned is the goal.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:10 PM, "Ayer, Erika J"
<ejayer@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Joanne and I are going talk this morning to try and get a
plan for consensus for the K-5 principals. Then we will
work with Keisha and David for K8 principals.
There may be some outliers though.,.
On Jun 5, 2014, at 6:34 PM, "Halfaker, Jon"
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
The following is being sent to all five regions.

Jon Halfaker
Executive Director of Northwest Region
Schools

Dear Principals--

We know the math adoption process has been a
very frustrating experience. There are many of
you who are discussing waivers to implement
enVision Math. The EDS's strongly believe that a
common curriculum throughout the District is
vital for student learning and equity.

We are asking that the elementary and K8
component of the Principal corp come to
consensus on a preference for a math curriculum
and either write a waiver to implement enVision
Math or take the board's decision and implement
Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS
support for a single curriculum by either

We have trust in your ability to determine what is
best for the students in your building and the
District as a whole. Please let us know what we
can do to support you with this work.

Best,
Cc: Kischner, Gerrit; Ayer, Erika J ; Bowers, J oanne; J essee, Wyeth; Imel, Greg
Importance: High
Thank you for sending this email out to principals.

I sincerely hope that elementary principals make the decision to move forward with EnVision.
Montlake is an excellent example of how EnVision is successful for all students.
I do not feel that it is equitable that schools/PTAs be expected fund the cost of using the
curriculum selected by the Math Adoption Panel.
It is my hope that my principal colleagues will stand behind the decision made by professional
educators to make the right decision rather than a school board that failed to adopt EnVision by
ONE VOTE!

Are the ed directors suggesting that all elementary principals or a percentage of all elementary
principals must agree to only one curriculum?

Montlake Elementary


To: Allan, Claudia; Archer, Kelley A; Breuder, Maria E; Claytor, Rhonda; Conner, Shannon; Cox, J ulie A;
Elliott, David; Gerrans, Neil T; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Guenther, Patricia; Hanson, Kari; Helm, Christine
M; Howard II, Theodore; Imel, Greg; McDaniel, Mary; Pedroza, Concepcion; Perry, Mark; Smith J r.,
Marion J ; Thompson, Awnie; Turner, Virginia; Wiley, J ennifer; Fields, Amber J ; Griffin, Meghan S;
Hansen, Taylor D; J essee, Amy M; LaRock, Brody; Lee, Lenora; Madison, J oyce; McManus, Romana J ;
Ouellette, Douglas C; Powell, J oe; Smith, Keith; Westering, Brad; Wright, Stacey J
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Tolley, Michael F; Pritchett, Sarah J
Importance: High

Dear Principals--




Best,
To: Kischner, Gerrit
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on; Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Re: MAC
Importance: High
Why not? In most building decision matrices, principals are the final
decision makers on curriculum with input from stakeholders. Principals
should be the majority voice on any curriculum adoption committee. How
did this happen?
KW
On 6/5/14 7:15 PM, "Kischner, Gerrit" <gakischner@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
>There were no principals on the MAC.
>
>Principal, Schmitz Park Elementary
>Seattle, WA 98116
>
>
>> On Jun 5, 2014, at 6:01 PM, "Whitworth, Kim"
>><kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>
>> Gerrit--
>>
>> Who were the Principals on the math adoption committee? There was an
>>email sent out that said there were Principals not he committee. These
>>are the people that curriculum and instruction should be asking
>>questions of and listening to at this point. Can you please let us know
>>ASAP so we can talk with them?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> KW
To: Tolley, Michael F; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; Israel Vela
Cc: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Re: Math Adoption
Hi there--
Thank you so much for this! We need to talk about forwarding this to principals. We want to be clear that
we do NOT have a curriculum preference but are encouraging principals to think about the district as a
whole in their decisions. We also know there are going to be a number of policy and process questions
that come up that we can't answer and we will need you and Ron to field these and answer.
Please let us know what else we need to do.
KW
From: <Tolley>, Michael F <mftolley@seattleschools.org>
To: SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>,
<johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, Israel Vela <ivela@q.com>
Subject: Fwd: Math Adoption
Executive Directors,
Please find attached to this email the PowerPoint presentation that was presented to the school board last
night. It includes the discussion about the waiver process. As you will see, I shared with the school board
that we anticipate funding waiver request as appropriate.
Michael
Sent from my iPhone
From: "English, Ron" <renglish@seattleschools.org>
To: "Hale, Theresa L" <tlhale@seattleschools.org>, "Pham, Kathie T"
<ktpham@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Heath,
Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Westgard, Bob"
<bwestgard@seattleschools.org>, "Murphy, Craig" <cemurphy@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math Adoption
Final powerpoint
From: Tolley, Michael F
To: Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; Israel Vela
Subject: Fwd: Math Adoption
Attachments: 140604 Math Adoption PowerPoint 4 PM.ppt
ATT00001.htm
Executive Directors,
Please find attached to this email the PowerPoint presentation that was presented to the school
board last night. It includes the discussion about the waiver process. As you will see, I shared
with the school board that we anticipate funding waiver request as appropriate.
Michael
Sent from my iPhone
From: "English, Ron" <renglish@seattleschools.org>
To: "Hale, Theresa L" <tlhale@seattleschools.org>, "Pham, Kathie T"
<ktpham@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L"
<slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Westgard, Bob"
<bwestgard@seattleschools.org>, "Murphy, Craig"
<cemurphy@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math Adoption
Final powerpoint
To: Golosman, Daniel P
Subject: RE: email Elementary and K8 Principals
As I said the other day, I just want all of us aligned to one curriculum. There are pros and cons with
each curriculum. I trust Anna Box regarding math, so when she said EnVisions was the choice, I
was fine with it. I did not look at any of the math materials, so beyond Anna, as well as what I have
heard from Julie B., I dont have much else to add. Again, my main concern is that we have one
curriculum.
Jon

Jon Halfaker

From: Golosman, Daniel P
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: email Elementary and K8 Principals

Would love to hear your thoughts on this tomorrow or Monday if you have time.

Dan
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 6:34 PM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:

Jon Halfaker

Dear Principals--

We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience. There are
many of you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math. The EDS's strongly
believe that a common curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and
equity.

We are asking that the elementary and K8 component of the Principal corp come to
consensus on a preference for a math curriculum and either write a waiver to implement
enVision Math or take the board's decision and implement Math in Focus. You will
absolutely have EDS support for a single curriculum by either accepting the board decision
or writing a waiver.

We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your building and
the District as a whole. Please let us know what we can do to support you with this work.

Best,
To: Tolley, Michael F
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math adoption and waiver
Importance: High
Hi Michael--
This is the email that was sent out to Principals in all five regions. Can you please provide Principals with
the bar you have for community engagement? Is this engaging your BLT parent rep? PTSA President? All
of the PTSA? I think it is important that the criteria be sent out so we can let concerned people know our
process and bar. Also, I believe any technical questions regarding these waivers need to come from you
with guidance from legal. We are just not in a positions to review these questions and respond with what
is required by policy.
Best,
KW
From: <Whitworth>, SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
To: Treena Sterk <tksterk@seattleschools.org>, Sherri Kokx <skkokx@seattleschools.org>, Joanne
Bowers <jbowers@seattleschools.org>, Debbie Nelsen <dnelsen@seattleschools.org>, Kathy Jolly
<kmjolly@seattleschools.org>, Jill Hudson <jshudson@seattleschools.org>, "Jenkins, Zoe"
<zjenkins@seattleschools.org>, Helen Joung <hhjoung@seattleschools.org>, Sandra Powell
<scpowell@seattleschools.org>, Roy Merca <rmerca@seattleschools.org>, Brian Vance
<brvance@seattleschools.org>, Barry Dorsey <bdorsey@seattleschools.org>, Dan Warren
<djwarren@seattleschools.org>, John Miner <jminer@seattleschools.org>, Chris Scott
<cescott@seattleschools.org>, Terri Skjei <tskjei@seattleschools.org>, Dan Sanger
<dksanger@seattleschools.org>, Sara Mirabueno <srmirabueno@seattleschools.org>, SPS
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Montgomery, Paula" <plmontgomery@seattleschools.org>,
"Castaneda, Tino A" <tacastaneda@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, SPS
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
Dear Principals--
Best,
To: Andrews, Kaaren; Bogan, Angela S; Breland, George; Carter, Christopher E; Chappelle, Dwane D; Hunter,
Patricia; Lute-Ervin, J o; McMillian, Cothron L.; Moore, Barbara; Morrison, Laura; Muth, Davy; Oatis, Chanda;
Pinchback-J ones, Anitra L; Scarlett, Keisha; Scott, Sandra; Talbert, Tonie; Tang, Po-yuk S; Thaxton, Farah G;
Todd, Winifred; Williams, Mia T
Cc: Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Whitworth, Kim; Halfaker, J on
Subject: Elementary and K8 Principals: Math Adoption
Importance: High

Kelly Aramaki
Executive Director of Southeast Region Schools

Dear Elementary and K8 Principals--

We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience. There are many of
you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math. The EDS's strongly believe that a
common curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and equity.

We are asking that the elementary and K8 components of the Principal corp come to consensus on
a preference for a math curriculum and either write a waiver to implement enVision Math or take
the board's decision and implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS support for a
single curriculum by either accepting the board decision or writing a waiver.

We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your building and the
District as a whole. Please let us know what we can do to support you with this work.

Best,
A
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on; Tolley, Michael F
Subject: FW: email Elementary and K8 Principals
Importance: High
And I would like to include what Jon sent. This is being sent by all Executive Directors of Schools.
KW
From: <Halfaker>, Jon <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
To: "Ayer, Erika J" <ejayer@seattleschools.org>, "Beach, Tami R" <trbeach@seattleschools.org>,
"Benkovitz, Jennifer L" <jlbenkovitz@seattleschools.org>, "Britsova, Oksana A"
<oabritsova@seattleschools.org>, "Fauntleroy, Dedy G" <dgfauntleroy@seattleschools.org>, "Floe,
Martin" <mfloe@seattleschools.org>, "Floyd, Wayne" <wfloyd@seattleschools.org>, "Geoghagan,
Rina" <legeoghagan@seattleschools.org>, "Golosman, Daniel P"
<dpgolosman@seattleschools.org>, "Jaskot, Stanley C" <scjaskot@seattleschools.org>, "Johnson,
Anne" <ajohnson@seattleschools.org>, "Kleitsch, Sue" <skleitsch@seattleschools.org>, "Loveness,
Marilyn" <mjloveness@seattleschools.org>, "Ota, Michelle" <mota@seattleschools.org>, "Pearl,
Katrina M" <kmpearl@seattleschools.org>, "Sammons, RJ" <rjsammons@seattleschools.org>,
"Schweitzer, Melissa" <mdschweitzer@seattleschools.org>, "Suleiman, Jeanne M"
<jmsuleiman@seattleschools.org>, "Talbot, Sarah M" <smtalbot@seattleschools.org>, "Trotter,
Walter" <wtrotter@seattleschools.org>, "Watters, Cindy J" <cjwatters@seattleschools.org>,
"Wynkoop, Keven" <kswynkoop@seattleschools.org>
Cc: Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>,
"Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
Subject: FW: email Elementary and K8 Principals

Jon Halfaker

Dear Principals--


We are asking that the elementary and K8 component of the Principal corp come to consensus on a


Best,
To: J oung, Helen H; Schweitzer, Melissa; Lute-Ervin, J o
Cc: SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam
W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals
Importance: High
Our education directors are working on the problems associated with the
waiver process and they are also concerned that the funding of curriculum be
equitable for all schools.

I suggest that the more schools who DO request a waiver, the better it is for
all.

Rationale behind my recommendation:
Having many/most schools opt to submit a waiver for EnVision15 gives
a clear message to our School Board that educators are highly trained
and skilled professionals and that their recommendation should carry
significant weight when making such an important decision as a
textbook adoption. The question is: What is the best math curriculum,
based upon current research, that meets the needs of all our students
and a curriculum that gives them the greatest chance to succeed in
mastering the rigorous CCSS Math standards?

Also, the larger our districts order for the EnVision15 curriculum, the more
likely the publisher will give our district greater discounts/freebies.

In my humble opinion the obvious choice should be EnVision15 Math.

Respectfully,

Montlake Elementary


To:
Hi,
With so many schools applying for waivers, are we sure that the district will have enough funds to
purchase Envision for everyone? This is my biggest fear. I have no time to waste and the thought
of trying to figure out how to pay after the fact is frightening! If that happens, I would have to use
MIF anyways because I have no extra funds to pay for Envision. This means more time wasted on
trying to get a curriculum when I could invest my energy in planning for fall with teachers now.
Alignment between schools is priority but my budget reality is also something to consider because
it may end up being at the expense of my students not getting the curriculum in time. No
curriculum is perfect. Olympic Hills will do whatever it takes to fill the holes in any curriculum with
success as we have always done. Can someone please reassure me that the district will pay for the
curriculum for every school that applies for a waiver?
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:23 PM, "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org> wrote:
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School
Board. Our School Board should have made a provision for schools who
wish to use Envision15 be permitted to do so. Our only option now is to
request a waiver in order to use EnVision15.
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your
waiver include a stipulation that our district be permitted to use
designated funds to fully support your purchase of EnVision.

I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a
waiver to use the curriculum this year. I was recently advised that our
students made the most gains on the MBA district wide.

Montlake Elementary


Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: Elementary and K-8 Principals - Math adoption and waiver
I inserted K8 into the elementary component of the Principal corp section.

Jon Halfaker

To: Sterk, Treena K; Kokx, Sherri K; Bowers, J oanne; Nelsen, Debbie; J olly, Kathy; Hudson, J ill; J enkins,
Zoe; J oung, Helen H; Powell, Sandra C; Merca, Roy; Vance, Brian; Dorsey, Barry; Warren, Dan; Miner,
J ohn; Scott, Christopher E; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Mirabueno, Sara; Whitworth, Kim; Montgomery,
Paula; Castaneda, Tino A
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on
Importance: High

Dear Principals--




Best,
To: McMillian, Cothron L.
If all SE principals submit a waiver, we will certainly go with enVision.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:44 PM, "McMillian, Cothron L." <clmcmillian@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
What are we going to do as a Region?
Sent from my iPhone
From: "Sacco, Vicki K" <vksacco@seattleschools.org>
To: "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>, !Montlake
Allstaff <!MontlakeAllstaff@seattleschools.org>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray, Melissa G"
<mggray@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L"
<slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M"
<ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W"
<addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee, Wyeth"
<rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, Amy Mack
<Amy.Mack@bbbsps.org>, "Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com)"
<atcanale@gmail.com>, 'Anna' <adoemla@yahoo.com>, Bridget
Backschies <thetriplebee@gmail.com>, "Vining, E. Jollene"
<ejvining@seattleschools.org>, "Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net)"
<dixiejet@comcast.net>, Greg Lindhorst <gregli@hotmail.com>,
Jill Chelimer <johnimer@comcast.net>, "Kathy Kindred
(kmkeenan@msn.com)" <kmkeenan@msn.com>, "Kerrilyn Vander
Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com)" <kerrilynv@hotmail.com>,
"Leonid Y. Orlov" <leonid.y.orlov@gmail.com>,
"markcraemer@comcast.net" <markcraemer@comcast.net>,
"paulinesmidt@hotmail.com" <paulinesmidt@hotmail.com>, sophia
behler <sophiabehler@hotmail.com>, "sschmick@aerotek.com"
<sschmick@aerotek.com>
Subject: RE: Waiver for EnVision Due JUNE 13
I share your feelings Claudia. I e-mailed Marty McLaren to
express my dismay. Shauna assured me that I can
submit a waiver for enVision despite the fact that I
havent used it in the past. She also said it wouldnt cost
my school anything additional to get Envision15. I plan
on doing this tomorrow!

Thank you Julie for sending out the language in your
waiver.

Vicki

To: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F;
Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee,
Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Allan, Claudia; Vining, E.
J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer;
Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net;
Importance: High



Montlake Elementary


To: Whitworth, Kim
Cc: Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: email to principals
Yes!
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 5:21 PM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
I say yes. I'm trying to talk with Is, Jon and Kelly and they're ignoring me.
KW
From: <Pritchett>, Sarah J <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>
To: SPS <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly"
<kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
Subject: RE: email to principals
Looks good. Should we sent it to our principals?

Sarah

To: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on
Subject: email to principals
Importance: High

Dear Principals--

We know the math adoption process has been a very frustrating experience. There are
many of you who are discussing waivers to implement enVision Math. The EDS's strongly
believe that a common curriculum throughout the District is vital for student learning and
equity.

We are asking that the elementary component of the Principal corp come to consensus on a
preference for a math curriculum and either write a waiver to implement enVision Math or
take the board's decision and implement Math in Focus. You will absolutely have EDS
support for a single curriculum by either accepting the board decision or writing a waiver.

We have trust in your ability to determine what is best for the students in your building and
the District as a whole. Please let us know what we can do to support you with this work.

Best,
To: J oung, Helen H
Working on an answer. Very good question.
KW
To: "Schweitzer, Melissa" <mdschweitzer@seattleschools.org>, "Lute-Ervin, Jo"
<jlervin@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "McMillian, Cothron L." <clmcmillian@seattleschools.org>, "Allan, Claudia"
<callan@seattleschools.org>, !Montlake Allstaff <!MontlakeAllstaff@seattleschools.org>,
SchoolBoard <SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray,
Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box,
Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W" <addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee,
Wyeth" <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<Elementary_Principals@seattleschools.org>, Amy Mack <Amy.Mack@bbbsps.org>, "Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com)" <atcanale@gmail.com>, Anna <adoemla@yahoo.com>, Bridget Backschies
<thetriplebee@gmail.com>, "Vining, E. Jollene" <ejvining@seattleschools.org>, "Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net)" <dixiejet@comcast.net>, Greg Lindhorst <gregli@hotmail.com>, Jill
Chelimer <johnimer@comcast.net>, "Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com)"
<kmkeenan@msn.com>, "Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com)"
<kerrilynv@hotmail.com>, "Leonid Y. Orlov" <leonid.y.orlov@gmail.com>,
"markcraemer@comcast.net" <markcraemer@comcast.net>, "paulinesmidt@hotmail.com"
<paulinesmidt@hotmail.com>, sophia behler <sophiabehler@hotmail.com>,
"sschmick@aerotek.com" <sschmick@aerotek.com>
Hi,
purchase Envision for everyone? This is my biggest fear. I have no time to waste and the thought of
trying to figure out how to pay after the fact is frightening! If that happens, I would have to use
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

To: Lute-Ervin, J o
Cc: McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley,
Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary
Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene;
Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com);
Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net;

I agree with unification and with supporting the adoption committee's recommendation.
Melissa Schweitzer
I agree with Cothronone wavier for all of us. That way well know if were using the
same curriculum, especially if were in the same region.

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

To: Allan, Claudia
Cc: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G;
Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals;
Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E.
J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred
markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia behler;

Why don't PASS just write the waiver on behalf of those who want it? One document
with all signatures electronically or however so we can also show we're together. Just
my two cents worth.
Sent from my iPhone


Montlake Elementary


To: Tolley, Michael F
Subject: FW: Waiver for EnVision Due J UNE 13
Please let us know how this will work. Again, we just want them to pick one. We know there will always
be a few waivers but we are committed to working together as a district to improve math instruction.
Thanks,
KW
To: "Schweitzer, Melissa" <mdschweitzer@seattleschools.org>, "Lute-Ervin, Jo"
<jlervin@seattleschools.org>
Cc: "McMillian, Cothron L." <clmcmillian@seattleschools.org>, "Allan, Claudia"
<callan@seattleschools.org>, !Montlake Allstaff <!MontlakeAllstaff@seattleschools.org>,
SchoolBoard <SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley, Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray,
Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box,
Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>, "Dysart, Adam W" <addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee,
Wyeth" <rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
Hi,
purchase Envision for everyone? This is my biggest fear. I have no time to waste and the thought of
trying to figure out how to pay after the fact is frightening! If that happens, I would have to use
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

To: Lute-Ervin, J o
Cc: McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley,
Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene;
Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com);
Kerrilyn Vander Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net;

I agree with unification and with supporting the adoption committee's recommendation.
Melissa Schweitzer
I agree with Cothronone wavier for all of us. That way well know if were using the
same curriculum, especially if were in the same region.

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

To: Allan, Claudia
Cc: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G;
Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals;
Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E.
J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred
markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia behler;

Why don't PASS just write the waiver on behalf of those who want it? One document
with all signatures electronically or however so we can also show we're together. Just
my two cents worth.
Sent from my iPhone


Montlake Elementary


Cc: Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13
Of course
KW
From: <Pritchett>, Sarah J <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>
Cc: Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>,
"Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Re: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE JUNE 13
Of course my region leads the cause!
Sarah
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 3:36 PM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Sent from my iPhone
To: !Montlake Allstaff <!MontlakeAllstaff@seattleschools.org>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>, "Heath, Shauna L"
<slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>,
"Dysart, Adam W" <addysart@seattleschools.org>, "Jessee, Wyeth"
<rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Williams-Saunders, Denise"
<dewilliamssa@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
<atcanale@gmail.com>, 'Anna' <adoemla@yahoo.com>, Bridget Backschies
<thetriplebee@gmail.com>, "Allan, Claudia" <callan@seattleschools.org>,
"Vining, E. Jollene" <ejvining@seattleschools.org>, "Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net)" <dixiejet@comcast.net>, Greg Lindhorst
<gregli@hotmail.com>, Jill Chelimer <johnimer@comcast.net>, "Kathy
Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com)" <kmkeenan@msn.com>, "Kerrilyn Vander
Heyden (kerrilynv@hotmail.com)" <kerrilynv@hotmail.com>, "Leonid Y.
Orlov" <leonid.y.orlov@gmail.com>, "markcraemer@comcast.net"
<markcraemer@comcast.net>, "paulinesmidt@hotmail.com"
Subject: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE JUNE 13
I am in total disbelief that the decision to select EnVision made by
our districts math textbook adoption panel and also by all of the
highly skilled educators who were engaged in this decision making
process, were overruled by our School Board.

One significant piece of data that should be noted by our School
Board is that Montlake was granted a waiver to adopt EnVision for
this school year. As an results, all our students, who were immersed
EnVisions Common Core curriculum I made the most gains in
closing the gap on the MBA from fall to spring.

ACTION REQUEST of ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS

I am requesting that all elementary principals , who believe as I do,
that EnVision 15 request a WAIVER in order to adopt EnVision15
Math for their schools next year.
Part of your request should be that our school board permit district
funding to be used for purchasing EnVision 15 Math adoption for
2014-15 and into the future.The DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR
WAIVER IS JUNE 13.

Montlake Elementary


From: Mark Craemer [mailto:markcraemer@comcast.net]
To: SchoolBoard
Cc: Allan, Claudia; KerriLyn Heyden; gregli@hotmail.com;
amy.mack@bbbsps.org
Subject: Elementary Math Program

Dear SPS Board Members:

As a parent of two elementary school children, I am curious to know how
despite the fact that EnVision was the recommendation of a Math Adoption
Committee and a favorite among parents who gave their input, you decided to
overturn this outcome. If Math in Focus is truly superior, why doesnt it align
with Common Core? Why did we choose to select a Math Adoption
Committee and why did you request parent feedback if you didn't intend to
follow their direction?

If a vocal minority is able to sway your opinion, clearly you are not doing your
jobs as board members. I am very disappointed and embarrassed by this
decision.

Sincerely,

Mark Craemer
Markcraemer@comcast.net

From: Fitzpatrick, Nathan T
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: Reminder: Resume/Cover Letter Screening, last Phase
Thanks for the heads up Kim. Monday works.

Nate

To: Fitzpatrick, Nathan T
Subject: Re: Reminder: Resume/Cover Letter Screening, last Phase
Importance: High

Hi Nate--

I'm in the middle of evaluations and dealing with math adoption waivers and will not be able to get to this.
I am so sorry. If it can wait until Monday I'll do it then.

KW

From: <Fitzpatrick>, Nathan T <ntfitzpatric@seattleschools.org>
To: "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J"
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, SPS
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, Is Vela <isvela@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Reminder: Resume/Cover Letter Screening, last Phase

Hi there,

I just wanted to drop a friendly reminder to please do your screening for our last phase of admin
pool candidates by end of day Sunday, 5-8. Thanks loads!

Nate

To: Bowers, J oanne
Subject: Re: waiver
Rock star.
KW
From: <Bowers>, Joanne Bowers <jbowers@seattleschools.org>
Subject: waiver
Hello Principals,

I have just spoken with a representative from our EDs and they are in support of us creating a
waiver as a component all together stating that we would like to follow the process of
requesting a waiver for enVision as outlined by the school board. The caveat to this is they
want all of us to decide on one curriculum. They would like us all to be consistent across the
district. I agree and we already stated this in the letter that Gerrit so wonderfully wrote to the
school board before they voted. Our voice can be big and can be heard if we make this
decision to all ask for the waiver to use enVision. Julie Breidenbach has provided a
wonderful skeleton of a waiver we can use and all sign and come together as elementary
principals and demand the respect we deserve from our school board just by following their
process. Please only email me if you are not wanting to be on the waiver. Gerrit, if we
have dissenting principals, do we have a process in the PASS for decision making?


Although it was not stated, I am inferring that if we do not come together as a component to
write this waiver, we may all end up with Math In Focus just so it is consistent across the
district.

Thanks,

Joanne Bowers
206-252-5320

Albert Einstein

To: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: waiver
From: <Bowers>, Joanne Bowers <jbowers@seattleschools.org>
Subject: waiver
Hello Principals,

I have just spoken with a representative from our EDs and they are in support of us creating a
waiver as a component all together stating that we would like to follow the process of
requesting a waiver for enVision as outlined by the school board. The caveat to this is they
want all of us to decide on one curriculum. They would like us all to be consistent across the
district. I agree and we already stated this in the letter that Gerrit so wonderfully wrote to the
school board before they voted. Our voice can be big and can be heard if we make this
decision to all ask for the waiver to use enVision. Julie Breidenbach has provided a
wonderful skeleton of a waiver we can use and all sign and come together as elementary
principals and demand the respect we deserve from our school board just by following their
process. Please only email me if you are not wanting to be on the waiver. Gerrit, if we
have dissenting principals, do we have a process in the PASS for decision making?


Although it was not stated, I am inferring that if we do not come together as a component to
write this waiver, we may all end up with Math In Focus just so it is consistent across the
district.

Thanks,

Joanne Bowers
206-252-5320

Albert Einstein

Subject: RE: Waiver for EnVision
Dear Colleagues:

I agree there is strength in Numbers , one wavier for all of us it sends a strong message.

Sincerely,

Robert Gallagher
Principal
206-252-9500

From: Lute-Ervin, J o
To: McMillian, Cothron L.; Allan, Claudia
Cc: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna
(atcanale@gmail.com); Anna; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net);
Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com;

I agree with Cothronone wavier for all of us. That way well know if were using the same
curriculum, especially if were in the same region.

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

To: Allan, Claudia

Why don't PASS just write the waiver on behalf of those who want it? One document with all
signatures electronically or however so we can also show we're together. Just my two cents
worth.
Sent from my iPhone
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School Board. Our
School Board should have made a provision for schools who wish to use Envision15
be permitted to do so. Our only option now is to request a waiver in order to use
EnVision15.
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your waiver
include a stipulation that our district be permitted to use designated funds to fully

I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a waiver to use
the curriculum this year. I was recently advised that our students made the most
gains on the MBA district wide.

Montlake Elementary


From: Sammons, RJ
To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: FW: Waiver
My gosh, whats the point of a district adoption? Do away with the waiver, other districts dont do
this

To: Allan, Claudia; Gallagher, Robert M; !Montlake Allstaff; Gray, Melissa G; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net);
Subject: RE: Waiver

Everyone should be receiving the same information and not have it as hearsay!

To: Gallagher, Robert M; !Montlake Allstaff; Gray, Melissa G; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
Subject: RE: Waiver

Hello Robert,
I was just contacted by Shauna Heath, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction She
confirmed that Montlakes 2013-14 waiver is valid for EnVision15 as we move forward.
Therefore Montlake is not required to submit a new waiver by the June 10
deadline AND the cost of EnVision will be funded by our district!
She advised me that our district executive directors are working out now
how best to handle the process for all schools interested in using
EnVision15.

Montlake Elementary


To: Allan, Claudia; Breidenbach, J ulie; Claytor, Rhonda; Morrison, Laura; Ostrom, Ben; McDaniel, Mary;
Breuder, Maria E; Helm, Christine M; Scarlett, Keisha; Nelsen, Debbie
Subject: RE: Waiver

Dear Principals,

How many of you are going to continue with the waiver and use envisions?

Sincerely,

Robert Gallagher
Principal
206-252-9500

To: Allan, Claudia; Breidenbach, J ulie; Claytor, Rhonda; Morrison, Laura; Ostrom, Ben; Gallagher, Robert
M; McDaniel, Mary; Breuder, Maria E; Helm, Christine M; Scarlett, Keisha; Nelsen, Debbie
Cc: Executive Directors of Schools; Tolley, Michael F; English, Ron
Subject: Waiver


for your building.



Best,

Shauna
To: Halfaker, J on
HI,
Didn't see your email on the list below, so wanted to make sure you are in the loop.
Dan
From: <Lute-Ervin>, Jo <jlervin@seattleschools.org>
To: "McMillian, Cothron L." <clmcmillian@seattleschools.org>, "Allan, Claudia"
<callan@seattleschools.org>
Cc: !Montlake Allstaff <!MontlakeAllstaff@seattleschools.org>, SchoolBoard
<SchoolBoard@seattleschools.org>, "Pritchett, Sarah J" <sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Tolley,
Michael F" <mftolley@seattleschools.org>, "Gray, Melissa G" <mggray@seattleschools.org>,
"Heath, Shauna L" <slheath@seattleschools.org>, "Box, Anna M" <ambox@seattleschools.org>,
<rwjessee@seattleschools.org>, Elementary Principals
I agree with Cothronone wavier for all of us. That way well know if were using the same
curriculum, especially if were in the same region.

Jo Lute-Ervin
Principal
Kimball Elem School
(206)252-7280
(206)252-7281 FAX

To: Allan, Claudia

Why don't PASS just write the waiver on behalf of those who want it? One document with all
signatures electronically or however so we can also show we're together. Just my two cents worth.
Sent from my iPhone
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School Board. Our
School Board should have made a provision for schools who wish to use Envision15 be
permitted to do so. Our only option now is to request a waiver in order to use
EnVision15.
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your waiver
include a stipulation that our district be permitted to use designated funds to fully

I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a waiver to use
the curriculum this year. I was recently advised that our students made the most gains
on the MBA district wide.

Montlake Elementary


To: J ohnson, Anne; Bowers, J oanne; Sacco, Vicki K; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley,
Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); "Anna"; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina
Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn
The correct date to submit your waiver is June 10.
Montlake Elementary
From: Johnson, Anne
To: Bowers, Joanne; Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley,
Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary
Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. Jollene; Gina
Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn
I had hoped PASS would have a unified front and stick with the one textbook adoption model. I'm concerned about
having 2 separate curriculums. I don't have a vested interest in either text but I do think we need to be unified.
We are suffering the effects of having multiple curricular materials and inconsistent instruction and assessment
from building to building. My humble opinion :)
________________________________________
From: Bowers, Joanne
To: Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray,
Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack;
Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. Jollene; Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander
To: Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath,
Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. Jollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg
Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia
behler; sschmick@aerotek.com
I share your feelings Claudia. I e-mailed Marty McLaren to express my dismay. Shauna assured me that I can
submit a waiver for enVision despite the fact that I haven't used it in the past. She also said it wouldn't cost my
school anything additional to get Envision15. I plan on doing this tomorrow!
Vicki
To: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box,
Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com<mailto:atcanale@gmail.com>); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Allan, Claudia; Vining, E.
Jollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net<mailto:dixiejet@comcast.net>); Greg Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy
Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com<mailto:kmkeenan@msn.com>); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com<mailto:kerrilynv@hotmail.com>); Leonid Y. Orlov;
markcraemer@comcast.net<mailto:markcraemer@comcast.net>;
paulinesmidt@hotmail.com<mailto:paulinesmidt@hotmail.com>; sophia behler;
sschmick@aerotek.com<mailto:sschmick@aerotek.com>
Subject: Waiver for EnVision Due JUNE 13
Importance: High
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School Board. Our School Board should have made
a provision for schools who wish to use Envision15 be permitted to do so. Our only option now is to request a
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your waiver include a stipulation that our
district be permitted to use designated funds to fully support your purchase of EnVision.
I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a waiver to use the curriculum this year. I was
recently advised that our students made the most gains on the MBA district wide.
Montlake Elementary
www.CreativeAdvantageSchools.org<http://www.CreativeAdvantageSchools.org>
From: J ohnson, Anne
To: Bowers, J oanne; Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael
F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy
Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); "Anna"; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; J ill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander
I had hoped PASS would have a unified front and stick with the one textbook adoption model. I'm concerned about
having 2 separate curriculums. I don't have a vested interest in either text but I do think we need to be unified.
We are suffering the effects of having multiple curricular materials and inconsistent instruction and assessment
from building to building. My humble opinion :)
________________________________________
To: Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray,
Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack;
Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. Jollene; Gina Pugh
(dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander
To: Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath,
Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. Jollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net); Greg
Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com); Leonid Y. Orlov; markcraemer@comcast.net; paulinesmidt@hotmail.com; sophia
behler; sschmick@aerotek.com
I share your feelings Claudia. I e-mailed Marty McLaren to express my dismay. Shauna assured me that I can
submit a waiver for enVision despite the fact that I havent used it in the past. She also said it wouldnt cost my
school anything additional to get Envision15. I plan on doing this tomorrow!
Vicki
To: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J; Tolley, Michael F; Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box,
Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; Jessee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi Canale
(atcanale@gmail.com<mailto:atcanale@gmail.com>); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Allan, Claudia; Vining, E.
Jollene; Gina Pugh (dixiejet@comcast.net<mailto:dixiejet@comcast.net>); Greg Lindhorst; Jill Chelimer; Kathy
Kindred (kmkeenan@msn.com<mailto:kmkeenan@msn.com>); Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com<mailto:kerrilynv@hotmail.com>); Leonid Y. Orlov;
markcraemer@comcast.net<mailto:markcraemer@comcast.net>;
paulinesmidt@hotmail.com<mailto:paulinesmidt@hotmail.com>; sophia behler;
sschmick@aerotek.com<mailto:sschmick@aerotek.com>
Subject: Waiver for EnVision Due JUNE 13
Importance: High
I am in disbelief that EnVision15 Math was not adopted by our School Board. Our School Board should have made
a provision for schools who wish to use Envision15 be permitted to do so. Our only option now is to request a
The deadline for submitting a waiver is June 13. I recommend that your waiver include a stipulation that our
district be permitted to use designated funds to fully support your purchase of EnVision.
I have data to support the use EnVision Math. Montlake was granted a waiver to use the curriculum this year. I was
recently advised that our students made the most gains on the MBA district wide.
Montlake Elementary
www.CreativeAdvantageSchools.org<http://www.CreativeAdvantageSchools.org>
To: Vela, Israel
And even more. MT is copied on these e-mails so I will stop forwarding them to you at this point,
with the thought that he is well aware of the growing outcry from elementary principals.
Jeanne

To: Sacco, Vicki K; Allan, Claudia; !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F;
Gray, Melissa G; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth; Elementary Principals;
Amy Mack; Andi Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh





Vicki

Importance: High

EnVision.


Montlake Elementary


To: Vela, Israel
More
Jeanne



Vicki

Importance: High

EnVision.


Montlake Elementary


To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13
I know but with so many schools requesting waivers, how will the district pay? This is my biggest
fear. I dont have extra funds to pay for Envision myself.
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

To: J oung, Helen H
Subject: Fwd: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13

I'm not mandating anything. Principals need to think for themselves. And not just about
themselves.
Sent from my iPhone
<gregli@hotmail.com>, Jill Chelimer <johnimer@comcast.net>, "Kathy Kindred
(kmkeenan@msn.com)" <kmkeenan@msn.com>, "Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com)" <kerrilynv@hotmail.com>, "Leonid Y. Orlov"
<leonid.y.orlov@gmail.com>, "markcraemer@comcast.net"
I am in total disbelief that the decision to select EnVision made by our districts
math textbook adoption panel and also by all of the highly skilled educators
who were engaged in this decision making process, were overruled by our
School Board.

One significant piece of data that should be noted by our School Board is that
Montlake was granted a waiver to adopt EnVision for this school year. As an
results, all our students, who were immersed EnVisions Common Core
curriculum I made the most gains in closing the gap on the MBA from fall to
spring.


I am requesting that all elementary principals , who believe as I do, that
EnVision 15 request a WAIVER in order to adopt EnVision15 Math for their
schools next year.
Part of your request should be that our school board permit district funding to
be used for purchasing EnVision 15 Math adoption for 2014-15 and into the
future. The DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR WAIVER IS JUNE 13.

Montlake Elementary


To: SchoolBoard
Cc: Allan, Claudia; KerriLyn Heyden; gregli@hotmail.com; amy.mack@bbbsps.org


As a parent of two elementary school children, I am curious to know how despite the fact
that EnVision was the recommendation of a Math Adoption Committee and a favorite
among parents who gave their input, you decided to overturn this outcome. If Math in
Focus is truly superior, why doesnt it align with Common Core? Why did we choose to
select a Math Adoption Committee and why did you request parent feedback if you didn't
intend to follow their direction?

If a vocal minority is able to sway your opinion, clearly you are not doing your jobs as board
members. I am very disappointed and embarrassed by this decision.

Sincerely,

Mark Craemer

To: Vela, Israel
Subject: FW: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13
Importance: High
2 of 2 forwarded messages regarding Math Adoption.
Jeanne

To: !Montlake Allstaff; SchoolBoard; Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M; Dysart, Adam W; J essee, Wyeth;
Pritchett, Sarah J ; Tolley, Michael F; Williams-Saunders, Denise; Elementary Principals; Amy Mack; Andi
Canale (atcanale@gmail.com); 'Anna'; Bridget Backschies; Allan, Claudia; Vining, E. J ollene; Gina Pugh
Subject: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13
Importance: High

I am in total disbelief that the decision to select EnVision made by our districts math
textbook adoption panel and also by all of the highly skilled educators who were engaged
in this decision making process, were overruled by our School Board.

One significant piece of data that should be noted by our School Board is that Montlake was
granted a waiver to adopt EnVision for this school year. As an results, all our students, who
were immersed EnVisions Common Core curriculum I made the most gains in closing the
gap on the MBA from fall to spring.


I am requesting that all elementary principals , who believe as I do, that EnVision 15
request a WAIVER in order to adopt EnVision15 Math for their schools next year.
Part of your request should be that our school board permit district funding to be used for
purchasing EnVision 15 Math adoption for 2014-15 and into the future. The DEADLINE TO
SUBMIT YOUR WAIVER IS JUNE 13.

Montlake Elementary


To: SchoolBoard


As a parent of two elementary school children, I am curious to know how despite the fact that EnVision
was the recommendation of a Math Adoption Committee and a favorite among parents who gave their
input, you decided to overturn this outcome. If Math in Focus is truly superior, why doesnt it align with
Common Core? Why did we choose to select a Math Adoption Committee and why did you request
parent feedback if you didn't intend to follow their direction?

If a vocal minority is able to sway your opinion, clearly you are not doing your jobs as board members. I am
very disappointed and embarrassed by this decision.

Sincerely,

Mark Craemer

To: Vela, Israel
1 of 2 forwarded messages

In light of your conversation tomorrow morning with MT on the EDS messaging around the Math
Adoption, here is one thing that came across my inbox. I will send another.
Jeanne

Colleagues-

AGAIN....I am not trying to influence you but am letting you look at our waiver should you be
considering the waiver process for your school.

classrooms.




J ulie

To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: RE: math curriculum
Ok! Then Im not doing the waiver. I hope our region does the same!
Helen

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

To: J oung, Helen H
Subject: Re: math curriculum

We're encouraging everyone to go with Math in Focus for all the reasons we talked about.

KW
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 2:56 PM, "Joung, Helen H" <hhjoung@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hi Kim,
Below is an email I received from Gerrit. Just an FYI for you. What is our region doing
as a whole? I will go with anything that creates alignment between schools. Let me
know what you would like me to do. Either program is fine with me. Alignment
within the district is the critical piece for me.

T 206.252.4305 F 206.252.4301

_____________________________________________
To: J oung, Helen H
Subject: math curriculum

Hi Helen,

Great job with your Taiko group yesterday!

I just wanted to touch base because I had seen rumblings that OlyHills may be
interested in seeking a waiver from Math in Focus. Are you using enVision now? I
think you will be very happy with MiF its about exactly the kind of deep
instructional practice that OlyHills is famous for. Im happy to advise if you need
anything.

Thanks,
Gerrit

Gerrit Kischner, Principal
Schmitz Park Elementary School
5000 SW Spokane St.
206.252.9700
@SchmitzPark

<Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) 1.jpg>

Another great Seattle Public School!

To: Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly; Halfaker, J on; Pritchett, Sarah J
Subject: Fwd: Elementary Math Adoption WAIVER DEADLINE J UNE 13
Sent from my iPhone
<gregli@hotmail.com>, Jill Chelimer <johnimer@comcast.net>, "Kathy Kindred
(kmkeenan@msn.com)" <kmkeenan@msn.com>, "Kerrilyn Vander Heyden
(kerrilynv@hotmail.com)" <kerrilynv@hotmail.com>, "Leonid Y. Orlov"
<leonid.y.orlov@gmail.com>, "markcraemer@comcast.net"
I am in total disbelief that the decision to select EnVision made by our districts
math textbook adoption panel and also by all of the highly skilled educators
who were engaged in this decision making process, were overruled by our
School Board.

One significant piece of data that should be noted by our School Board is that
Montlake was granted a waiver to adopt EnVision for this school year. As an
results, all our students, who were immersed EnVisions Common Core
curriculum I made the most gains in closing the gap on the MBA from fall to
spring.


I am requesting that all elementary principals , who believe as I do, that
EnVision 15 request a WAIVER in order to adopt EnVision15 Math for their
schools next year.
Part of your request should be that our school board permit district funding to
be used for purchasing EnVision 15 Math adoption for 2014-15 and into the
future. The DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR WAIVER IS JUNE 13.

Montlake Elementary


To: SchoolBoard


As a parent of two elementary school children, I am curious to know how despite the fact
that EnVision was the recommendation of a Math Adoption Committee and a favorite
among parents who gave their input, you decided to overturn this outcome. If Math in
Focus is truly superior, why doesnt it align with Common Core? Why did we choose to
select a Math Adoption Committee and why did you request parent feedback if you didn't
intend to follow their direction?

If a vocal minority is able to sway your opinion, clearly you are not doing your jobs as board
members. I am very disappointed and embarrassed by this decision.

Sincerely,

Mark Craemer

To: Heath, Shauna L; Tolley, Michael F
Cc: Dysart, Adam W; Vela, Israel
J ust an FYI....I've had many inquiries and so I sent it to my colleagues. My intent is not to get things
muddier but to simply provide an example of a waiver to my colleagues.
Colleagues-

AGAIN....I am not trying to influence you but am letting you look at our waiver should you be
considering the waiver process for your school.

classrooms.




J ulie

To: Geoghagan, Rina; Box, Anna M
Cc: Halfaker, J on; J ohnston, Susan; Murphy, Craig
Subject: RE: Math in Focus at Lincoln
Good questionsince it isnt CMP you might.

Shauna

From: Geoghagan, Rina
To: Heath, Shauna L; Box, Anna M

Will we need a waiver?

To: Geoghagan, Rina; Box, Anna M

Rina,

We will need purchasing to check. As far as I know the proposal was for K-5 with MiF and not 6
th
or
7
th
grade.

Get back to you soon!

Shauna

To: Box, Anna M; Heath, Shauna L
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Math in Focus at Lincoln

Hi Anna and Shauna,

Lincoln is planning to use MiF next year for grades 3-5. What is the process for us using it for our
4
th
and 5
th
grade teachers who will be teaching middle school content? Can they also use it?

Thanks,
Rina

Rina Geoghagan| Principal | APP@Lincoln | p: 206-252-5914| legeoghagan@seattleschools.org

From: Box, Anna M
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: RE: Math in Focus questions
Absolutely and thanks for the quick response.

Anna

To: Box, Anna M
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Re: Math in Focus questions

Hi Anna,

Thanks for your email. I am happy to help in any way possible. I know your time-frame is tight, and our
teachers are all in crunch mode too. I am guessing, though, that they will want to help. May I forward
your email to the math teachers in this building to see who has time to help?

Dan

From: <Box>, Anna M <ambox@seattleschools.org>
To: Daniel Golosman <dpgolosman@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math in Focus questions

Hi Dan,

I understand your school uses Math in Focus. As Im sure you know the school board adopted
Math in Focus last night. We are on a very tight ordering schedule and I have been instructed to
present the newest version of MiF (2015) to the Instructional Materials Committee next week. To
do this, Ill need to gather a team of educators and community members to review and at a
minimum determine if the book presents any cultural bias that is unacceptable for our students.
Can I bring some samples out to your building next Monday or Tuesday and ask you and a few
teachers to review for cultural bias?

Ill have a form for us to use in our reviewing. I expect the process will be smooth and
uncomplicated. But it is important to do and do as well as we can.

If you can help with this, wed be so appreciative. I can come at whatever time is convenient for
you. And, if you have any teachers or parents you would recommend I reach out to provide some
feedback, that would be most helpful as well.

Thanks so much,

Anna Box
Math Program Manager

From: Fatland, Kelsey F
To: Gerrans, Neil T; !Lawton Teachers
Cc: Orme, Beth; Pritchett, Sarah J
Subject: RE: Math adoption for next year
Hi all,
Just weighing in with our two cents
When the kindergarten team looked at the programs, one of the main reasons we liked Envision
was that it had enrichment/challenge types of lessons/activities to go along with the grade level
lessons. We felt that this would be especially helpful for our demographic here at Lawton.
Overall, the program seemed (in our half hour of research) to be very comprehensive and
thorough, the teachers guides/materials were easy to follow and implement, it aligned well with
the Common Core standards, and it was not worksheet heavy (like some of the other programs.)
The K team would be supportive of submitting a waiver.

Kelsey Fatland
Kindergarten Teacher
Lawton Elementary
kffatland@seattleschools.org
206-252-2152

From: Gerrans, Neil T
To: !Lawton Teachers
Subject: Math adoption for next year

Good Morning Lawton,
I want us to consider carefully the road ahead for us and for math instruction at Lawton. I am
meeting with Executive Director Pritchett today and have talked with a few of you around the
math adoption decision this morning.

I would like to meet with the staff Friday Morning at 8:10 to discuss a possible waiver submission
for Lawton and steps/information we need to follow if we have consensus. I know that a number
of teachers from Lawton who went and previewed the math programs at Blaine or downtown felt
that the envision Program was a better program over the Math in Focus program.

I plan to talk with Ms. Orme tomorrow and am reaching out to a number of principals and district
leaders today. I am including her email as a Lawton parent and member of the Math Adoption
Committee.

Thank you,
Neil Gerrans
Lawton Principal

From: Orme, Beth
To: Gerrans, Neil T; Kelly, Krista A; Shernoff, Andrew J ; Terry, Lyon
Subject: math adoption for next year

Good Morning,

I wanted to offer my support for the upcoming Math adoption for next year. I have e-mailed you
all because I know that you will be invested in the Math curriculum for next year. I was on the
Math Adoption Committee(MAC) as a community member, parent and high school math teacher.
Last night even though the MAC proposed the Envision Curriculum the board choose to select
Math in Focus. Schools will be allowed to waiver to use the Envision curriculum but must do so by
June 10
th
so it is a short turn-around time. I have spent well over 100 hours in the last year
analyzing both curricula in relationship to the common core and ease of implementation.

No matter what curriculum Lawton chooses to adopt, I would be happy to share my insights from
this analysis to help the teachers better prepare for next year. Im including some information
below as well the 1
st
e-mail is from another MAC member who was at last night board meeting.
The second e-mail was the financial costs of each of the final 3 programs.

I am free to meet tomorrow after 10:00 am and would be happy to answer any questions that you
have. Beth Orme (Mom to Henry and Grace)

1
st
e-mail
Trying to be succinct:
The committee recommended Envision to the Curric Policy sub-committee of the school board 3
weeks ago. They concurred and pushed it to the full board.
2 weeks ago, the recommendation was presented to the board by the math dept and other big
wigs. Superintendent Banda endorsed the work of the committee and its recommendation.
Rumors were flying that some board members were going to propose a dual adoption.
2 or 3 days ago: a dual adoption was proposed by board members Peters and McLearen Staff
(math, legal and purchasing dept) responded with information about why this is problematic.
Yesterday: Peters and McLaren submitted another proposal for the sole adoption of Math in Focus
(MIF).
Tonight's board meeting (after a great performance by our Taiko group!):
Peters and McLaren withdrew their dual adoption proposal. 10, 12?( I lost count) gave testimony
about why they love MIF. 1 described how MIF is not aligned to CCSS and that there are many
community members who rely on the experts to make these decisions. Wendy Londen (a former
district exec) scolded the board for not following board policy and bucking to the loud, vocal
"community" minority.
A staff member talked about the variety of programs (Summer Leadership Institute, MS Sports,
Pathway for Visual Arts...)that may need to be cut to pay for MIF (7 year cost of approx 7.6 mil
v.Envision's cost of approx $4 mil).
Michael Tulley stated that the waiver process is still in place and that there may be district funds
available for schools seeking waivers. WAIVERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY PRINCIPALS BY JUNE 10.
Purchasing will be placing orders June 11 to get hard copies of materials to schools by mid Sept.
Board members each gave comments.
Stephen Blanford mentioned that the principals group (PASS) voted very strongly in favor of
Envision.
Vote was 4-3 in favor of MIF.
voting for MIF: Peters, Peasley, Patu and McLaren

I RECOMMEND that Oly Hills apply for a waiver to use Envision. It is far from perfect but is much
more closely aligned to CCSS than MIF. It has better differentiation options and lends itself to the
workshop model much more easily. There is an RTI option.

I don't know what will happen if the majority of schools apply for a waiver....

2
nd
e-mail from Shawn Sipe
Hello MAC members,

Here is the data about costs/prices for our final programs.

First, the overall first year cost as quoted by the publishers includes all materials, including
manipulatives, teacher resources, and technology in the total cost. The professional
development costs (not including our cost to pay teachers) is built into the first year in each case
except for Math in Focus. Years 2 through 7 include costs of consumable materials.

Years 1 -7 costs for Go Math!:
1 $ 1,513,041.00
2 $ 305,387.00
3 $ 305,387.00
4 $ 305,387.00
5 $ 305,387.00
6 $ 0.00
7 $ 0.00

Total price for all 7 years $2,734.588.04
******************************************

Years 1 - 7 costs for Math in Focus:

1 $ 4,269,506.00
2 $ 747,354.00 (includes Year 2 of PD and consumables)
3 $ 558,954.00
4 $ 558,954.00
5 $ 558,954.00
6 $ 0.00
7 $ 0.00

Total price for all 7 years- $6,851,166.60

******************************************

Years 1-7 cost for envision

1 $1,561,109.69
2 $ 451,258.59
3 $ 451,258.59
4 $ 451,258.59
5 $ 451,258.59
6 $ 451,258.59
7 $ 451,258.59

Total price for all 7 years $4,268,661.23\

BUDGET
At this point, the SPS budget will bear $1,500,000 for the first year and we will follow our past
budgeting practice for yearly added consumables at about $500,000 over the six year period
following the first year of adoption. At this point we have about 30,000 K-5 students.

Our budget for Professional Development costs to pay teachers and any in-house expenses is
$355,000. The general cost per teacher for PD just under $200 per day. At present we have about
1,100 K-5 general ed classroom teachers. The PD plans differ for each program and we can discuss
this at a later time.

NOTE about Math in Focus:
The publisher of Math in Focus, HMH, explains the high price of their program as follows:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) does not own the Math in Focus Program. HMH distributes Math in Focus
for the owners/authors of the program . Under the terms of that distribution agreement, the owners of the
program set pricing. They approved a 5% discount for SPS.
HMH is unable, for example, to offer the special promotions that were offered SPS on the Go Math! Program
(buy four SEs, get one free and buy one classroom manipulative kit get one free). Northwest Pricing on Go
Math! also benefits from the fact that so many Northwest school districts have adopted Go Math! - including
Anchorage School District with 30,000 students.
In addition, Math in Focus requires a significant amount of professional development. This is a significant
additional cost ($391,250 total years 1 and 2).

As for our MAC work in regards to the cost of MIF, we will not take the program out of
consideration at this point, but the committee members are charged to consider the high cost in
comparison to our budget during their deliberation process and be aware that choosing this
program would require us to request more money in order to adopt it.

Please call or email with questions,
Adam 252-0135 and Shawn 252-0227

Shawn Eckman Sipe
Instructional Materials Specialist
Professional Library/Instructional Materials Office
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence
(206)-252-0227
MS 22-636
slsipe@seattleschools.org

To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: RE: Math and Displaced Staff Update
Date: Thursday, J une 05, 2014 11:45:42 AM
Hi Jon,
We may want a waiver depending on which curriculum is more aligned to the common core standards. Today
Shauna informed me that the 2015 enVision is more aligned than the 2013 MIF. She indicated that Anna will
review the 2015 MIF (next week if possible) and they should know which curriculum is more aligned at that time.
Therefore, we might apply for a waiver with the caveat of implementing whatever is more aligned to CCSS.
Thanks
206.252.1400
206.252.1405 (Voice mail)
206.252.1401(Fax)
From: Halfaker, Jon
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2014 8:22 PM
To: Ayer, Erika J; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, Jennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy, Dedy G; Floe, Martin;
Floyd, Wayne; Geoghagan, Rina; Golosman, Daniel P; Jaskot, Stanley C; Johnson, Anne; Kleitsch, Sue; Loveness,
Marilyn; Ota, Michelle; Pearl, Katrina M; Sammons, RJ; Schweitzer, Melissa; Suleiman, Jeanne M; Talbot, Sarah
M; Trotter, Walter; Watters, Cindy J; Wynkoop, Keven
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J; Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly; Dizon, Daniel S;
Fitzpatrick, Nathan T; DeJarnatt, Dana; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Brooks, Heather E
Subject: Re: Math and Displaced Staff Update
Elementary and K8 principals:
Please let me know today if you believe your building will want to submit a waiver for the use of enVision Math
rather than the adopted curriculum Math In Focus. I don't need a long reply, just a basic thought on what you
believe your team will want. I will update you on next steps as soon as we get further details.
I will say, my strong desire is that we are fully aligned as a region, and as a district. Those of you who responded to
my email survey earlier this week said the same thing. To that end, if the Board has adopted this curriculum, we
need to plan to implement it with as strong a fidelity as possible.
Heading home from the Board and back into schools tomorrow. Have a good night, and again, congrats to Keven
and Kiesha.
Jon
Sent from my iPad
Jon Halfaker
>
> I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math adoption. I wish I could offer a better
preview, but right now, all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been encouraging to hear from so
many of you that a singular adoption is your preference, which is what the Executive Directors are also hoping to
see happen. I would encourage all elementary and K8 principals to review your decision making matrix and prime
your BLTs for possible quick and intensive work in the next ten days, as building based decisions may be part of
the Board decisions tonight. Fun!
>
> As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two evenings going over every
displaced employee's file, categories, and highly qualified status as we sought to make matches with open
positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is necessary for our system as a whole to ensure all staff is
accounted for and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible. In some years, it has been mid to late August
before the final displaced staff were placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open positions. That will not
be the case this year.
>
> We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for. The great news is that over half of
that group made matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this week, it did make the process
better. We want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building was not done in haste, nor was it done
without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because there are many buildings that are restricted
from taking displaced staff per policy and contract language, as well as many that had no open positions, this does
refine where placements can happen. As a team, we sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and
within schools. In some cases, where a single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one
category or endorsement, we had no choice but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we
tried to make the best match possible.
>
> If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee immediately to set a meeting to
discuss their transition to your building. If, during the summer, they choose to apply for and accept a position in
another building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.
>
> Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a process to track on displaced staff, buildings
that historically displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that evaluate staff out of SPS, and buildings that
have taken higher numbers of displaced staff. We are also working to build a mandatory flag that pops when an
employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later that will include contact with the previous
principal or admin team so we avoid repute concerns.
>
> If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha and Keven, we would suggest
you arrive early.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director - NW Region
>
>
To: Trotter, Walter
Walter,

Per your request:


for your building.



Best,

Shauna

To: Heath, Shauna L

Hi Shauna,

Im getting questions around CCSS alignmentIs Math in Focus more aligned to the CCSS than
enVision? Thanks

206.252.1400
206.252.1405 (Voice mail)
206.252.1401(Fax)


Dear Principals,

textbook for K-5
th
graders.



Sincerely,


To: Heath, Shauna L
Cc: Vela, Israel; Tolley, Michael F
Thanks Shauna
My teachers have created their own units based on the standards so we havent used any other
textbooks except as a resource. We will not have funds to purchase an alternative series.

Vicki

To: Sacco, Vicki K
Cc: Vela, Israel; Tolley, Michael F

Vicki,

Per your request:


for your building.



Best,

Shauna
To: Heath, Shauna L
Hi Shauna,

How disappointing. We were looking forward to using envision Math. Im confused as to
how/why there was a process to adopt a textbook; which was then completely negated by
the school boards decision.

Vicki


Dear Principals,

textbook for K-5
th
graders.



Sincerely,


From: Loveness, Marilyn
To: Heath, Shauna L
Cc: Box, Anna M; Tolley, Michael F; Halfaker, J on
Shauna,

Im as perplexed as you probably are as to why one board member determines the match
curriculum after educators have spent hours doing the research.

Moving forward I have a practical question:
1. We have above grade level groups in math for 2
nd
through 5
th
grade. Will I be able to
order above grade level materials?
2. Teachers would like to have sample materials to make decisions about above grade level
placement. Can we get sample materials for grades 2-6 yes 6- for teachers? In the past
we were given an order form to fill in ourselves.

Your help will be appreciated.

Marilyn


Dear Principals,

textbook for K-5
th
graders.



Sincerely,


To: Bowers, J oanne
Joanne,
Per your request:

for your building.



Best,

Shauna
To: Heath, Shauna L
There had been mention that schools could ask for waivers? Is this still the case?


Dear Principals,

textbook for K-5
th
graders.



Sincerely,


To: Gerrans, Neil T
Cc: Pritchett, Sarah J
Subject: RE: Math adoption for next year
Neil,
Per your request:

for your building.



Best,

Shauna
To: Block, Kae H; Heath, Shauna L
Cc: Dysart, Adam W; Box, Anna M; Tolley, Michael F
Subject: FW: Math adoption for next year
Kae and Shawna,
I had BCCd Shawna and Shawn Sipe on this email below. I am trying to understand options and
timelines for us, and implications if we were able to submit a waiver e.g., would it be considered,
would we have to pay for the alternate curriculum, what is the timeline.

I appreciate the message sent this morning from Shauna and Michael around the Math Adoption. I
think I understand what will happen if we do nothing. Is there an alternate path?

Thank you,
Neil Gerrans
Lawton Principal

To: !Lawton Teachers
Subject: Math adoption for next year

Good Morning Lawton,
I want us to consider carefully the road ahead for us and for math instruction at Lawton. I am
meeting with Executive Director Pritchett today and have talked with a few of you around the
math adoption decision this morning.

I would like to meet with the staff Friday Morning at 8:10 to discuss a possible waiver submission
for Lawton and steps/information we need to follow if we have consensus. I know that a number
of teachers from Lawton who went and previewed the math programs at Blaine or downtown felt
that the envision Program was a better program over the Math in Focus program.

I plan to talk with Ms. Orme tomorrow and am reaching out to a number of principals and district
leaders today. I am including her email as a Lawton parent and member of the Math Adoption
Committee.

Thank you,
Neil Gerrans
Lawton Principal

From: Orme, Beth
To: Gerrans, Neil T; Kelly, Krista A; Shernoff, Andrew J ; Terry, Lyon
Subject: math adoption for next year

Good Morning,

I wanted to offer my support for the upcoming Math adoption for next year. I have e-mailed you
all because I know that you will be invested in the Math curriculum for next year. I was on the
Math Adoption Committee(MAC) as a community member, parent and high school math teacher.
Last night even though the MAC proposed the Envision Curriculum the board choose to select
Math in Focus. Schools will be allowed to waiver to use the Envision curriculum but must do so by
June 10
th
so it is a short turn-around time. I have spent well over 100 hours in the last year
analyzing both curricula in relationship to the common core and ease of implementation.

No matter what curriculum Lawton chooses to adopt, I would be happy to share my insights from
this analysis to help the teachers better prepare for next year. Im including some information
below as well the 1
st
e-mail is from another MAC member who was at last night board meeting.
The second e-mail was the financial costs of each of the final 3 programs.

I am free to meet tomorrow after 10:00 am and would be happy to answer any questions that you
have. Beth Orme (Mom to Henry and Grace)

1
st
e-mail
Trying to be succinct:
The committee recommended Envision to the Curric Policy sub-committee of the school board 3
weeks ago. They concurred and pushed it to the full board.
2 weeks ago, the recommendation was presented to the board by the math dept and other big
wigs. Superintendent Banda endorsed the work of the committee and its recommendation.
Rumors were flying that some board members were going to propose a dual adoption.
2 or 3 days ago: a dual adoption was proposed by board members Peters and McLearen Staff
(math, legal and purchasing dept) responded with information about why this is problematic.
Yesterday: Peters and McLaren submitted another proposal for the sole adoption of Math in Focus
(MIF).
Tonight's board meeting (after a great performance by our Taiko group!):
Peters and McLaren withdrew their dual adoption proposal. 10, 12?( I lost count) gave testimony
about why they love MIF. 1 described how MIF is not aligned to CCSS and that there are many
community members who rely on the experts to make these decisions. Wendy Londen (a former
district exec) scolded the board for not following board policy and bucking to the loud, vocal
"community" minority.
A staff member talked about the variety of programs (Summer Leadership Institute, MS Sports,
Pathway for Visual Arts...)that may need to be cut to pay for MIF (7 year cost of approx 7.6 mil
v.Envision's cost of approx $4 mil).
Michael Tulley stated that the waiver process is still in place and that there may be district funds
available for schools seeking waivers. WAIVERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY PRINCIPALS BY JUNE 10.
Purchasing will be placing orders June 11 to get hard copies of materials to schools by mid Sept.
Board members each gave comments.
Stephen Blanford mentioned that the principals group (PASS) voted very strongly in favor of
Envision.
Vote was 4-3 in favor of MIF.
voting for MIF: Peters, Peasley, Patu and McLaren

I RECOMMEND that Oly Hills apply for a waiver to use Envision. It is far from perfect but is much
more closely aligned to CCSS than MIF. It has better differentiation options and lends itself to the
workshop model much more easily. There is an RTI option.

I don't know what will happen if the majority of schools apply for a waiver....

2
nd
e-mail from Shawn Sipe
Hello MAC members,

Here is the data about costs/prices for our final programs.

First, the overall first year cost as quoted by the publishers includes all materials, including
manipulatives, teacher resources, and technology in the total cost. The professional
development costs (not including our cost to pay teachers) is built into the first year in each case
except for Math in Focus. Years 2 through 7 include costs of consumable materials.

Years 1 -7 costs for Go Math!:
1 $ 1,513,041.00
2 $ 305,387.00
3 $ 305,387.00
4 $ 305,387.00
5 $ 305,387.00
6 $ 0.00
7 $ 0.00

Total price for all 7 years $2,734.588.04
******************************************

Years 1 - 7 costs for Math in Focus:

1 $ 4,269,506.00
2 $ 747,354.00 (includes Year 2 of PD and consumables)
3 $ 558,954.00
4 $ 558,954.00
5 $ 558,954.00
6 $ 0.00
7 $ 0.00

Total price for all 7 years- $6,851,166.60

******************************************

Years 1-7 cost for envision

1 $1,561,109.69
2 $ 451,258.59
3 $ 451,258.59
4 $ 451,258.59
5 $ 451,258.59
6 $ 451,258.59
7 $ 451,258.59

Total price for all 7 years $4,268,661.23\

BUDGET
At this point, the SPS budget will bear $1,500,000 for the first year and we will follow our past
budgeting practice for yearly added consumables at about $500,000 over the six year period
following the first year of adoption. At this point we have about 30,000 K-5 students.

Our budget for Professional Development costs to pay teachers and any in-house expenses is
$355,000. The general cost per teacher for PD just under $200 per day. At present we have about
1,100 K-5 general ed classroom teachers. The PD plans differ for each program and we can discuss
this at a later time.

NOTE about Math in Focus:
The publisher of Math in Focus, HMH, explains the high price of their program as follows:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) does not own the Math in Focus Program. HMH distributes Math in Focus
for the owners/authors of the program . Under the terms of that distribution agreement, the owners of the
program set pricing. They approved a 5% discount for SPS.
HMH is unable, for example, to offer the special promotions that were offered SPS on the Go Math! Program
(buy four SEs, get one free and buy one classroom manipulative kit get one free). Northwest Pricing on Go
Math! also benefits from the fact that so many Northwest school districts have adopted Go Math! - including
Anchorage School District with 30,000 students.
In addition, Math in Focus requires a significant amount of professional development. This is a significant
additional cost ($391,250 total years 1 and 2).

As for our MAC work in regards to the cost of MIF, we will not take the program out of
consideration at this point, but the committee members are charged to consider the high cost in
comparison to our budget during their deliberation process and be aware that choosing this
program would require us to request more money in order to adopt it.

Please call or email with questions,
Adam 252-0135 and Shawn 252-0227

Shawn Eckman Sipe
Instructional Materials Specialist
Professional Library/Instructional Materials Office
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence
(206)-252-0227
MS 22-636
slsipe@seattleschools.org

To: Hanson, Kari; Pritchett, Sarah J
Cc: Tolley, Michael F
Kari,
Per your request:

for your building.



Best,

Shauna
From: Hanson, Kari
To: Heath, Shauna L; Pritchett, Sarah J
Hi Shauna,

Can you provide any information on a waiver process? Im hearing rumor of one with a deadline of
June 10, for schools interested in moving forward with enVision. Will something be coming out to
clarify this? My staff is very disappointed and feels somewhat betrayed on behalf of the MAC. If
they know there is an option for a waiver, theyll want to move in that direction. But, I dont want
to open a door that will divide the schools unless Central has a process that viably and
appropriately allows for a waiver process. Can you give me anything on this so I can inform staff
and be part of a unified front?

Thanks,

Kari Hanson
Principal

201 Garfield Street
Seattle, Washington
206-252-2100


Dear Principals,

textbook for K-5
th
graders.



Sincerely,


To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: Re: MAC input
I sent an email and signed it Ghengis Khan.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:21 AM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Kelly, you're a dictator! When and how did you leg them know this?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 5, 2014, at 7:17 AM, "Aramaki, Kelly" <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
I've told my principals that we're just going with MIF. South Shore
and Graham Hill, who use enVision now, are going to have to switch
over. There's no way that I can get consistency across the whole
region through the waiver process.
I'm tired and I want to cancel all my year-end evals today, but I guess
I can't.
Kelly
To: SPS <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, Sarah Pritchett
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Vela, Israel"
<isvela@seattleschools.org>, "Halfaker, Jon"
Subject: MAC input
Hey--
We know that looking at the standard and understanding it, developing
assessments, matching instruction and then identifying resources is the
method that leads to effective learning. We all want to use the same
curriculum so we can improve collaboration across the district and provide
consistency and equity for students. If we have buildings working with their
BLTs on waivers to use enVision, we will have very pissed off and loud
community members and board members. Is this how we really want
principals to spend their time?
I think this is a fair enough question to ask IF we're asked our opinion.
KW
From: Nelsen, Debbie
To: Whitworth, Kim
Cc: Sterk, Treena K; J oung, Helen H; J olly, Kathy; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara;
Whitworth, Kim; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, J oanne; Scott, Christopher E; Warren,
Dan; Miner, J ohn
Subject: Re: Math curriculum
We use Envision with fidelity this year. Supplement where it's lacking.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:37 AM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> What math curriculum do you use? Are you using it with "fidelity" or simply as a resource?
>
> Please respond ASAP and reply all.
>
> Thanks!
> KW
>
> Sent from my iPhone
From: J olly, Kathy
To: Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; J oung, Helen H; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry;
Mirabueno, Sara; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, J oanne; Scott, Christopher E; Warren,
Dan; Miner, J ohn
Subject: RE: Math curriculum
Laurelhurst uses EDM as the core curriculum and supplements with other resources. We also use CMP for 5th
grades.
Kathy
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2014 8:38 AM
To: Sterk, Treena K; Joung, Helen H; Jolly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry;
Mirabueno, Sara; Whitworth, Kim; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, Joanne; Scott,
Christopher E; Warren, Dan; Miner, John
Subject: Math curriculum
What math curriculum do you use? Are you using it with "fidelity" or simply as a resource?
Please respond ASAP and reply all.
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
From: Sanger, Dan
To: Merca, Roy; Bowers, J oanne; Skjei, Terri; Miner, J ohn; Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; J oung, Helen H; J olly,
Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Castaneda, Tino A; Scott, Christopher
E; Warren, Dan
Bryant-K-5 EDM and supplementary materials
From: Merca, Roy
To: Bowers, Joanne; Skjei, Terri; Miner, John; Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; Joung, Helen H; Jolly, Kathy;
Nelsen, Debbie; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Scott,
Christopher E; Warren, Dan
Pinehurst K-8 EDM and CMP
Roy
To: Skjei, Terri; Miner, John; Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; Joung, Helen H; Jolly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie;
Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Scott,
Green Lake uses EDM with fidelity.
From: Skjei, Terri
To: Miner, John; Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; Joung, Helen H; Jolly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy;
Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, Joanne; Scott,
We basically use EDM as a base plus CMP for 5th/6th grade math instruction. In addition we use a variety of
supplementary curriculum.
Terri
View Ridge
From: Miner, John
To: Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; Joung, Helen H; Jolly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra
C; Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, Joanne; Scott,
We use a variety of materials-EDM, Terc, Singapore, Xtra Math. We do not use one resource.
John Miner
Principal
Thornton Creek School
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
To: Whitworth, Kim
Subject: FW: Math curriculum
Here is how David described the math curriculum here.

Tino

Tino Castaeda
Interim Principal
(206) 252-5670

From: Lowe, David M

Were using everyday math as a base, but HEAVILY supplemented and overhauled (esp. at the 3-5
level) with Steck-Vaughn, Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley, and ReThink Mathematics. Our teams
have basically spent the whole year retooling and supplementing EDM unit by unit in order to align
it with the CCSS.

d

To: Lowe, David M
Subject: Fwd: Math curriculum

David,

I may be a little later to school than 9:30. Trying to get a couple of answers at the district
office.

Can you get me an answer to Kim's question about what math curriculum materials we are
using at Wedgwood so that I can then communicate that to Kim? It can be general and does
not have to be exact like "we use every day math with supplemental materials" as an example.
If there are teachers using a different curriculum as a base that would be good to know but
just give me an answer based on your current knowledge of the building at this point.

Thanks,

Tino
From: "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
To: "Sterk, Treena K" <tksterk@seattleschools.org>, "Joung, Helen H"
<hhjoung@seattleschools.org>, "Jolly, Kathy" <kmjolly@seattleschools.org>,
"Nelsen, Debbie" <dnelsen@seattleschools.org>, "Merca, Roy"
<rmerca@seattleschools.org>, "Powell, Sandra C"
<scpowell@seattleschools.org>, "Dorsey, Barry" <bdorsey@seattleschools.org>,
"Mirabueno, Sara" <srmirabueno@seattleschools.org>, "Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Skjei, Terri" <tskjei@seattleschools.org>,
"Sanger, Dan" <dksanger@seattleschools.org>, "Castaneda, Tino A"
<tacastaneda@seattleschools.org>, "Bowers, Joanne"
<jbowers@seattleschools.org>, "Scott, Christopher E"
<cescott@seattleschools.org>, "Warren, Dan" <djwarren@seattleschools.org>,
"Miner, John" <jminer@seattleschools.org>
What math curriculum do you use? Are you using it with "fidelity" or simply as a
resource?
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
To: Halfaker, J on
Jon,
We are interested in using MiF for 4th and 5th grade students. Will we need a waiver to use the same materials as 1-
3? It would be the 6th and 7th grade materials.
Thanks,
Rina
________________________________________
From: Halfaker, Jon
and Kiesha.
Jon
Sent from my iPad
Jon Halfaker
>
>
>
>
>
>
you arrive early.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director NW Region
>
>
To: Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; J olly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C; Dorsey, Barry;
Mirabueno, Sara; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, J oanne; Scott, Christopher E; Warren,
Dan; Miner, J ohn
EDM is used as a resource at Olympic Hills. Teachers used CCSS as scope and sequence.
Helen
Date:06/05/2014 8:37 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: "Sterk, Treena K" ,"Joung, Helen H" ,"Jolly, Kathy" ,"Nelsen, Debbie" ,"Merca, Roy"
,"Powell, Sandra C" ,"Dorsey, Barry" ,"Mirabueno, Sara" ,"Whitworth, Kim" ,"Skjei, Terri"
,"Sanger, Dan" ,"Castaneda, Tino A" ,"Bowers, Joanne" ,"Scott, Christopher E" ,"Warren,
Dan" ,"Miner, John"
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
From: Powell, Sandra C
To: Whitworth, Kim
Engage New York and EDM
Sandra
On Jun 5, 2014, at 8:37 AM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
> What math curriculum do you use? Are you using it with "fidelity" or simply as a resource?
>
> Please respond ASAP and reply all.
>
> Thanks!
> KW
>
From: Scott, Christopher E
To: Whitworth, Kim
TOPS primarily uses a combination of EDM (middle) and Math Expressions
(elementary), and some grade levels just create their own units, borrowing
from a variety of resources.
--
Chris Scott, Ed.D.
Principal
TOPS K-8
On 6/5/14, 8:37 AM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>
wrote:
>What math curriculum do you use? Are you using it with "fidelity" or
>simply as a resource?
>
>Please respond ASAP and reply all.
>
>Thanks!
>KW
>
>Sent from my iPhone
From: Dorsey, Barry
To: Whitworth, Kim
My Math mostly with some EDM, Terc, Singapore and Xtra Math.
B.
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
From: Warren, Dan
To: Whitworth, Kim; Sterk, Treena K; J oung, Helen H; J olly, Kathy; Nelsen, Debbie; Merca, Roy; Powell, Sandra C;
Dorsey, Barry; Mirabueno, Sara; Skjei, Terri; Sanger, Dan; Castaneda, Tino A; Bowers, J oanne; Scott,
Christopher E; Miner, J ohn
Sand Point is using EDM. This used as a base curriculum. In effort o address Common Core, we use a number of
supplementary materials.
Dan
Thanks!
KW
Sent from my iPhone
From: Dizon, Daniel S
To: Halfaker, J on
Jon,
Thanks for the fyi....I'd be curious on the results.
In the future let me know if you need assistance. We purchased survey gizmo that we can use for feedback. This
would assist for time management. Please let the other EDs know if they need assistance.
We used the survey gizmo last week and I received the information immediately after closing the survey and it
created some pretty cool reports.
From: Halfaker, Jon
and Kiesha.
Jon
Sent from my iPad
Jon Halfaker
>
>
>
>
>
>
you arrive early.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director - NW Region
>
>
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: Re: MAC input
Any word from Michael on this?
KW
Sent from my iPhone
I've told my principals that we're just going with MIF. South Shore and Graham
Hill, who use enVision now, are going to have to switch over. There's no way
that I can get consistency across the whole region through the waiver process.
I'm tired and I want to cancel all my year-end evals today, but I guess I can't.
Kelly
To: SPS <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>, Sarah Pritchett
<sjpritchett@seattleschools.org>, "Whitworth, Kim"
<kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org>, "Vela, Israel" <isvela@seattleschools.org>,
"Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
Subject: MAC input
Hey--
We know that looking at the standard and understanding it, developing assessments,
matching instruction and then identifying resources is the method that leads to effective
learning. We all want to use the same curriculum so we can improve collaboration across
the district and provide consistency and equity for students. If we have buildings working
with their BLTs on waivers to use enVision, we will have very pissed off and loud community
members and board members. Is this how we really want principals to spend their time?
I think this is a fair enough question to ask IF we're asked our opinion.
KW
To: Halfaker, J on
Cc: Vela, Israel; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Aramaki, Kelly
I have a few who have said they don't care; they just all want to be doing the same thing. Helen Joung said that even
though O Hills is a TC lab school she would be willing to drop it if the District came up with a common literacy
curriculum. She got her teaching certificate so this is a pretty grand gesture. It demonstrates how much principals
wang a common curriculum.
KW
Sent from my iPhone
>
> Agreed. I was only trying to see if any of mine had even been thinking about it, as I would want to try and talk
them out of it. I do have one that uses enVision, but I think they will switch.
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director of Schools/NW Region
>
>> On Jun 4, 2014, at 8:38 PM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>
>> I think we need to talk about this before we start sending out
>> communications. Frankly, curriculum doesn't matter as much as a focus on
>> standards, assessments and instruction. How much time do we want to devote
>> to getting waivers? It's FOURTH on the list of essential pieces for
>> learning. This has been proven over and over. Look at Mercer. I don't
>> want to spend all our time on this and I want us to send out a common
>> message. No going rogue. Unless it's to take a vacation.
>>
>> KW
>>
>>> On 6/4/14 8:22 PM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Elementary and K8 principals:
>>> Please let me know today if you believe your building will want to submit
>>> a waiver for the use of enVision Math rather than the adopted curriculum
>>> Math In Focus. I don't need a long reply, just a basic thought on what
>>> you believe your team will want. I will update you on next steps as soon
>>> as we get further details.
>>>
>>> I will say, my strong desire is that we are fully aligned as a region,
>>> and as a district. Those of you who responded to my email survey earlier
>>> this week said the same thing. To that end, if the Board has adopted
>>> this curriculum, we need to plan to implement it with as strong a
>>> fidelity as possible.
>>>
>>> Heading home from the Board and back into schools tomorrow. Have a good
>>> night, and again, congrats to Keven and Kiesha.
>>>
>>> Jon
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>
>>> Jon Halfaker
>>> Executive Director of Schools/NW Region
>>> Seattle Public Schools
>>>
>>>> On Jun 4, 2014, at 11:20 AM, "Halfaker, Jon"
>>>> <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new
>>>> math adoption. I wish I could offer a better preview, but right now,
>>>> all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been
>>>> encouraging to hear from so many of you that a singular adoption is your
>>>> preference, which is what the Executive Directors are also hoping to see
>>>> happen. I would encourage all elementary and K8 principals to review
>>>> your decision making matrix and prime your BLTs for possible quick and
>>>> intensive work in the next ten days, as building based decisions may be
>>>> part of the Board decisions tonight. Fun!
>>>>
>>>> As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the
>>>> last two evenings going over every displaced employee's file,
>>>> categories, and highly qualified status as we sought to make matches
>>>> with open positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is
>>>> necessary for our system as a whole to ensure all staff is accounted for
>>>> and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible. In some years, it
>>>> has been mid to late August before the final displaced staff were
>>>> placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open positions. That
>>>> will not be the case this year.
>>>>
>>>> We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find
>>>> matches for. The great news is that over half of that group made
>>>> matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this
>>>> week, it did make the process better. We want everyone to know that
>>>> placing a teacher in a building was not done in haste, nor was it done
>>>> without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because
>>>> there are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff
>>>> per policy and contract language, as well as many that had no open
>>>> positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we
>>>> sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and within
>>>> schools. In some cases, where a single position existed that matched an
>>>> employee who also only had one category or endorsement, we had no choice
>>>> but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we
>>>> tried to make the best match possible.
>>>>
>>>> If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to
>>>> that employee immediately to set a meeting to discuss their transition
>>>> to your building. If, during the summer, they choose to apply for and
>>>> accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from
>>>> SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.
>>>>
>>>> Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a
>>>> process to track on displaced staff, buildings that historically
>>>> displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that evaluate staff out
>>>> of SPS, and buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff.
>>>> We are also working to build a mandatory flag that pops when an
>>>> employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later
>>>> that will include contact with the previous principal or admin team so
>>>> we avoid repute concerns.
>>>>
>>>> If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we
>>>> celebrate Keisha and Keven, we would suggest you arrive early.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Jon
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Jon Halfaker
>>>> Executive Director NW Region
>>>> Seattle Public Schools
>>
From: Vela, Israel
To: Whitworth, Kim
Cc: Halfaker, J on; Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J
We do need it have a collective message to our schools
Israel Vela
Southwest Region
> On Jun 4, 2014, at 8:38 PM, "Whitworth, Kim" <kdwhitworth@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> I think we need to talk about this before we start sending out
> communications. Frankly, curriculum doesn't matter as much as a focus on
> standards, assessments and instruction. How much time do we want to devote
> to getting waivers? It's FOURTH on the list of essential pieces for
> learning. This has been proven over and over. Look at Mercer. I don't
> want to spend all our time on this and I want us to send out a common
> message. No going rogue. Unless it's to take a vacation.
>
> KW
>
>> On 6/4/14 8:22 PM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>
>> Elementary and K8 principals:
>> Please let me know today if you believe your building will want to submit
>> a waiver for the use of enVision Math rather than the adopted curriculum
>> Math In Focus. I don't need a long reply, just a basic thought on what
>> you believe your team will want. I will update you on next steps as soon
>> as we get further details.
>>
>> I will say, my strong desire is that we are fully aligned as a region,
>> and as a district. Those of you who responded to my email survey earlier
>> this week said the same thing. To that end, if the Board has adopted
>> this curriculum, we need to plan to implement it with as strong a
>> fidelity as possible.
>>
>> Heading home from the Board and back into schools tomorrow. Have a good
>> night, and again, congrats to Keven and Kiesha.
>>
>> Jon
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>> Jon Halfaker
>> Executive Director of Schools/NW Region
>> Seattle Public Schools
>>
>>> On Jun 4, 2014, at 11:20 AM, "Halfaker, Jon"
>>> <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new
>>> math adoption. I wish I could offer a better preview, but right now,
>>> all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been
>>> encouraging to hear from so many of you that a singular adoption is your
>>> preference, which is what the Executive Directors are also hoping to see
>>> happen. I would encourage all elementary and K8 principals to review
>>> your decision making matrix and prime your BLTs for possible quick and
>>> intensive work in the next ten days, as building based decisions may be
>>> part of the Board decisions tonight. Fun!
>>>
>>> As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the
>>> last two evenings going over every displaced employee's file,
>>> categories, and highly qualified status as we sought to make matches
>>> with open positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is
>>> necessary for our system as a whole to ensure all staff is accounted for
>>> and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible. In some years, it
>>> has been mid to late August before the final displaced staff were
>>> placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open positions. That
>>> will not be the case this year.
>>>
>>> We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find
>>> matches for. The great news is that over half of that group made
>>> matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this
>>> week, it did make the process better. We want everyone to know that
>>> placing a teacher in a building was not done in haste, nor was it done
>>> without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because
>>> there are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff
>>> per policy and contract language, as well as many that had no open
>>> positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we
>>> sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and within
>>> schools. In some cases, where a single position existed that matched an
>>> employee who also only had one category or endorsement, we had no choice
>>> but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we
>>> tried to make the best match possible.
>>>
>>> If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to
>>> that employee immediately to set a meeting to discuss their transition
>>> to your building. If, during the summer, they choose to apply for and
>>> accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from
>>> SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.
>>>
>>> Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a
>>> process to track on displaced staff, buildings that historically
>>> displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that evaluate staff out
>>> of SPS, and buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff.
>>> We are also working to build a mandatory flag that pops when an
>>> employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later
>>> that will include contact with the previous principal or admin team so
>>> we avoid repute concerns.
>>>
>>> If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we
>>> celebrate Keisha and Keven, we would suggest you arrive early.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Jon
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jon Halfaker
>>> Executive Director NW Region
>>> Seattle Public Schools
>
To: Chen, Walter C; Moland, Lisa L; Nishioka, Michele D; Bogan, Angela S; Haas, Alexandria; Pinchback-J ones, Anitra
L; Addanki, Brigid M; Moore, Barbara; Carter, Christopher E; Oatis, Chanda; McMillian, Cothron L.; Chappelle,
Dwane D; Muth, Davy; Reed, Eddie; Gray, Eileen L; Sanchez, Elena; Thaxton, Farah G; Guerrero, Geri Y;
Breland, George; Kovach, J ennifer; Lute-Ervin, J o; Kuban, J eanne M; Scarlett, Keisha; Andrews, Kaaren;
Morrison, Laura; Milligan, Marjorie A; Steward, Makela; Rysemus, Melissa; Leonard, Melinda; Williams, Mia T;
Hunter, Patricia; Tang, Po-yuk S; Howard, Ronald; Encarnacion, Sherrie; Scott, Sandra; Talbert, Tonie; Todd,
Winifred; Kodama, Chad C; Henderson, Gloria J
Subject: SE Bulletin 06.05.14
From: <Aramaki>, SPS <kearamaki@seattleschools.org>
Subject: <no subject>
Southeast Region | Seattle Public Schools
June 5, 2014

Happy Thursday SE Leaders!

Job well done to all of you for completing your certificated annual evaluations.
Many of you have already delivered them to Sue Means in HR. If you havent, please
get them to her right away. Once HR has all of the evaluations checked in, they will
make them available for the EDS team. We will be reviewing samples from each
school and region as we look for calibration and alignment and next steps for next
year.

You probably have heard that the School Board last night adopted Math in Focus as
our K-5 math curriculum. With this decision behind us, we now need to move
forward as a whole region to implement this common curriculum. The curriculum
department will support us with a CCSS scope and sequence using this curriculum
(filling in the gaps where necessary). They will also need to quickly determine summer
training dates and logistics for ordering materials, etc. REA is working on an RFP to
bring in an assessment system that will allow us to create common interim
assessments (similar to benchmarks) where teachers will be able to analyze student
answers, miscues, etc. in an easy to use format. If you have any questions about the
new math adoption, let me know.

Have a great end to the week. Great work again on completing year-ends.

Kelly

Important Events
This Week:
Monday Kelly in EDS Meetings
3:00 6:00 EDS certificated displacement
assignments made
Tuesday 7:45 Nesholm Principal Meeting (Mercer,
Aki)
1:30 Year-End Evaluation Meeting Oatis
5:00 6:30 A4E Awards Reception @
Mohai
6:30 8:00 Kelly @ SEAAC Meeting

Wednesday 2-Hour Early Release Day
12:30 Kelly @ Center School
4:00 School Board Meeting Recognizing
Keisha Scarletts Principal of the Year
Award!

Thursday Happy Birthday, Keisha!
8:00 Year-End Evaluation Meeting
Breland
Chappelle

Friday 8:00 5:00 RULER Principal Training @
Graham Hill Library (mandatory for
participating schools)

Important Events
Next Week:
3:00 7:00 ELA Scope and Sequence Roll-
out (JSCEE)

Tuesday 8:00 12:00 DLT Meeting (100% SE on-
time)
12:30 Year-End Evaluation Williams

Wednesday 7:30 High School Steering Committee
Meeting
9:45 Year-End Evaluation Todd
12:30 Year-End Evaluation Pinchback-Jones
3:00 Kellys Year-End Evaluation with
Michael T.

Thursday 9:00 Year-End Evaluation Tang
1:00 Year-End Evaluation Scott

Friday 7:30 Kelly, Beth, Marcella SE SpEd Meeting
9:00 Kelly in EDS Meeting
12:00 EDS Skill Center Learning Walk

Announcements
& Reminders:
Heads up: Roster Verification is Coming This is the
process that teachers of tested subjects and principals need
to undergo to determine which teacher taught which
students; this data will be used in determining student
growth. Please keep an eye out for this critical information
during the week of June 9
th
.
High School Graduations Coming Soon High school
students around the district will be graduating starting next
week, including: Cleveland (6/16), Rainier Beach High
School (6/17), Interagency (6/17), South Lake (6/17)
Other Close-of-School Reminders Please make sure
your admin secretary has the Close of School Document
started, and that both of you are clear on what needs to be
completed by the time you both walk out the door at the
end of the month. A number of you are offering summer
programs. Please send Heather a contact sheet for your
program leads in the event a call or email comes across her
desk. Along that same line, please communicate your
vacation/break plan to Heather and your summer contact
information.

To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: <no subject>
Southeast Region | Seattle Public Schools
June 5, 2014

Happy Thursday SE Leaders!

Job well done to all of you for completing your certificated annual evaluations.
Many of you have already delivered them to Sue Means in HR. If you havent, please
get them to her right away. Once HR has all of the evaluations checked in, they will
make them available for the EDS team. We will be reviewing samples from each
school and region as we look for calibration and alignment and next steps for next
year.

You probably have heard that the School Board last night adopted Math in Focus as
our K-5 math curriculum. With this decision behind us, we now need to move
forward as a whole region to implement this common curriculum. The curriculum
department will support us with a CCSS scope and sequence using this curriculum
(filling in the gaps where necessary). They will also need to quickly determine summer
training dates and logistics for ordering materials, etc. REA is working on an RFP to
bring in an assessment system that will allow us to create common interim
assessments (similar to benchmarks) where teachers will be able to analyze student
answers, miscues, etc. in an easy to use format. If you have any questions about the
new math adoption, let me know.

Have a great end to the week. Great work again on completing year-ends.

Kelly

Important Events
This Week:
3:00 6:00 EDS certificated displacement
assignments made

Tuesday 7:45 Nesholm Principal Meeting (Mercer,
Aki)
1:30 Year-End Evaluation Meeting Oatis
5:00 6:30 A4E Awards Reception @
Mohai
6:30 8:00 Kelly @ SEAAC Meeting

Wednesday 2-Hour Early Release Day
12:30 Kelly @ Center School
4:00 School Board Meeting Recognizing
Keisha Scarletts Principal of the Year

Award!
Thursday Happy Birthday, Keisha!
Breland
Chappelle

Friday 8:00 5:00 RULER Principal Training @
Graham Hill Library (mandatory for
participating schools)

Important Events
Next Week:
3:00 7:00 ELA Scope and Sequence Roll-
out (JSCEE)

Tuesday 8:00 12:00 DLT Meeting (100% SE on-
time)
12:30 Year-End Evaluation Williams

Wednesday 7:30 High School Steering Committee
Meeting
9:45 Year-End Evaluation Todd
12:30 Year-End Evaluation Pinchback-Jones
3:00 Kellys Year-End Evaluation with
Michael T.

Thursday 9:00 Year-End Evaluation Tang
1:00 Year-End Evaluation Scott

Friday 7:30 Kelly, Beth, Marcella SE SpEd Meeting
9:00 Kelly in EDS Meeting
12:00 EDS Skill Center Learning Walk

Announcements
& Reminders:
Heads up: Roster Verification is Coming This is the
process that teachers of tested subjects and principals need
to undergo to determine which teacher taught which
students; this data will be used in determining student
growth. Please keep an eye out for this critical information
during the week of June 9
th
.
High School Graduations Coming Soon High school
students around the district will be graduating starting next
week, including: Cleveland (6/16), Rainier Beach High
School (6/17), Interagency (6/17), South Lake (6/17)
Other Close-of-School Reminders Please make sure
your admin secretary has the Close of School Document
started, and that both of you are clear on what needs to be
completed by the time you both walk out the door at the
end of the month. A number of you are offering summer
programs. Please send Heather a contact sheet for your
program leads in the event a call or email comes across her
desk. Along that same line, please communicate your
vacation/break plan to Heather and your summer contact

information.

To: Pearl, Katrina M
Date: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 11:10:22 PM
Not as clear now that it is not the adoption. Everyone had said they wanted one adoption. Now that we have it.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 4, 2014, at 8:24 PM, "Pearl, Katrina M" <kmpearl@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Jon,
>
> Just checking if we will have a way to communicate with all in the NW region to ensure we choose the same
curriculum. Is that possible? Is everyone still leaning towards EnVision?
>
> Thanks,
> Katie
> ________________________________________
> From: Halfaker, Jon
> Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2014 8:22 PM
> To: Ayer, Erika J; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, Jennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy, Dedy G; Floe, Martin;
> Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J; Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly; Dizon, Daniel S;
> Subject: Re: Math and Displaced Staff Update
>
> Elementary and K8 principals:
> Please let me know today if you believe your building will want to submit a waiver for the use of enVision Math
>
> I will say, my strong desire is that we are fully aligned as a region, and as a district. Those of you who responded
to my email survey earlier this week said the same thing. To that end, if the Board has adopted this curriculum, we
>
> Heading home from the Board and back into schools tomorrow. Have a good night, and again, congrats to Keven
and Kiesha.
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director of Schools/NW Region
>
>> On Jun 4, 2014, at 11:20 AM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>
>> I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math adoption. I wish I could offer a
better preview, but right now, all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been encouraging to hear from
so many of you that a singular adoption is your preference, which is what the Executive Directors are also hoping to
>>
>> As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two evenings going over every
>>
>> We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for. The great news is that over half
of that group made matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this week, it did make the process
>>
>> If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee immediately to set a meeting to
>>
>> Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a process to track on displaced staff,
buildings that historically displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that evaluate staff out of SPS, and
buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff. We are also working to build a mandatory flag that
pops when an employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later that will include contact with
the previous principal or admin team so we avoid repute concerns.
>>
>> If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha and Keven, we would suggest
you arrive early.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jon
>>
>>
>>
>> Jon Halfaker
>> Executive Director NW Region
>> Seattle Public Schools
>>
>>
To: Fauntleroy, Dedy G
Math in focus is adopted. More details as they pop.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 4, 2014, at 8:07 PM, "Fauntleroy, Dedy G" <dgfauntleroy@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hi J on,
Can you let those of us who were not able to attend the board meeting what the outcome
was? No rush-- just want to prepare for what needs to come next. Thanks.
Dedy
From: Morrison, Laura
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: Fwd: Math In Focus
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
From: "Morrison, Laura" <lemorrison@seattleschools.org>
To: !Graham Hill Allstaff <!GrahamHillAllstaff@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math In Focus
Hi all,
An exciting (and for me, unexpected) board decision this evening. The board has
approved a new math curriculum: Math in Focus. I know we have worked to get
enVision in place this year and felt it met the needs of our students in some solid
ways. I will talk to Kelly Aramaki this week and we will think about where
things stand once the dust settles. I know it will be important to align ourselves
with the other schools in our region so that we can best integrate and support
mobility of students across schools, and create cohesion for common preparation
for the transition to middle school and high school readiness. Last, we will
continue to think about interim assessments and how we can have some
uniformity across SE Seattle. But again, let's let the dust settle for a few days.
More soon - thanks for your thorough work today for the class placement
process... And your sunny outlook for all the classroom moves ahead!
:)
Laurie
Sent from my iPhone
From: Pearl, Katrina M
To: Halfaker, J on
Hi Jon,
Just checking if we will have a way to communicate with all in the NW region to ensure we choose the same
curriculum. Is that possible? Is everyone still leaning towards EnVision?
Thanks,
Katie
________________________________________
From: Halfaker, Jon
and Kiesha.
Jon
Sent from my iPad
Jon Halfaker
>
>
>
>
>
>
you arrive early.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Halfaker
> Executive Director NW Region
>
>
From: Rebecca Hunting Pompon
To: sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org; sherry.carr@seattleschools.org; harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org;
betty.patu@seattleschools.org; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org; martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org;
sue.peters@seattleschools.org; jlbanda@seattleschools.org; cewright1@seattleschools.org;
addysart@seattleschools.org; anna.box@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org;
mftolley@seattleschools.org; isvela@seattleschools.org
Subject: [Possible SPAM] Re: math at K-5 STEM at Boren
Importance: Low
Dear School Board Directors,
Thank you for approving Math In Focus this evening. We, and many in
our community at K-5 STEM at Boren, are absolutely thrilled.
Rebecca Hunting Pompon
Parent to first grader, August Pompon ("math homework is even more fun
than bedtime stories")
On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 9:28 AM, Rebecca Hunting Pompon
<rahunting@gmail.com> wrote:
> Dear School Board Members and Staff,
>
> Students at K-5 STEM at Boren are thriving using Singapore Math. We
> are eager to continue using this curriculum with the support of the
> District.
>
> Please reject the Math Adoption Committees recommendation to
> implement the enVision Math Program as the new math curriculum for all
> elementary schools in September 2014, and instead...
>
> 1. adopt Math in Focus as the new K-5 Curriculum,
>
> 2. amend Policy No. 2020 on the Waiver of Basic Instructional
> Materials to allow K-5 STEM, Schmitz Park, and other schools using, or
> desiring to use, a Singapore Math-based curriculum like Math in Focus
> to ensure funding will be provided from the district to support an
> approved alternative math curriculum
>
> 3. approve a Dual-Adoption giving schools the choice to implement
> enVision OR Math in Focus.
>
> Thank you for your consideration and leadership.
>
> Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D.
> Parent of 1st grader
From: Chau Pho Tung
To: martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org; sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org; sherry.carr@seattleschools.org;
harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org; sue.peters@seattleschools.org;
betty.patu@seattleschools.org; isvela@seattleschools.org; superintendent@seattleschools.org;
anna.box@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; mftolley@seattleschools.org
Subject: Please Support Singapore Math based Math Curriculum for Schmitz Park Elementary School & Seattle Public
School
Dear Seattle Public School Board Directors and District Staff,
We would like to voice our opposition to the Math Adoption Committees recommendation to
implement the enVision Math Program as the new math curriculum for all elementary schools in
September 2014. As parents at Schmitz Park, we strongly support the continuation of our
Singapore Math-based curriculum and the rigor it has created for our students.
In 2008, our teaching staff determined Singapore Math was the best way to teach math. We are
proud to be a part of a community who identifies Mathematics Mastery as a key element in
elementary education. Our families, past and present, have funded the development and
advancement of Singapore Math for our children. This commitment has required annual donations
totaling close to $100,000.00 and we are incredibly fortunate that through the generosity of
families, and later the District, we have grown this program at Schmitz Park into what it is today.
We ask the Board Directors and District Staff to respect the investment our parents, and the
district, have made in Singapore Math at Schmitz Park and consider the following alternatives:
1. Reject the Math Adoption Committees recommendation of enVision and adopt Math in
Focus as the new K-5 Math Curriculum.
2. Approve a Dual-Adoption giving schools the choice to implement enVision OR Math in
Focus
3. Amend Policy No. 2020 on the Waiver of Basic Instructional Materials to allow Schmitz Park
and other schools using, or desiring to use, a Singapore Math-based curriculum like Math in
Focus to ensure funding will be provided from the district to support an approved
alternative math curriculum.
Thank you for your consideration of our alternatives and your commitment to the adoption
process.
Sincerely,
Chau Pho Tung & Charles Tung

This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is
active.
From: Susan Hayes-McQueen
To: isvela@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; mftolley@seattleschools.org;
anna.box@seattleschools.org
Subject: Fwd: Math in Focus at Schmitz Park Elementary
Dear Members of the Seattle Schools administration,
I am a mother of three (soon to be four) children in Seattle Public Schools. My three children
attend Schmitz Park Elementary in West Seattle. I am writing to you today to express my
strong desire that Schmitz Park Elementary be allowed to continue using the Math-in-Focus
curriculum for its math program.
I have many reasons for wanting my children to have the Math-in-Focus curriculum. Math
literacy is key to my children's future--indeed, all of our children's futures. My children
LOVE the math that they have learned at Schmitz Park and I'm consistently impressed with
their progress in mathematical concepts. An example: today my fourth grader explained to me
why a Friday the 13th always happens when the 1st day of the month is Sunday. My personal
thought process about this would be simply to figure out 13 days ahead of a Sunday. My
daughter told me that she figured it out because weeks are factors of the number 7, and 13 is
one less than a factor of 7. This is but one example of some strong mathematical
understanding that has come from the Math-in-Focus program at Schmitz Park.
Another reason to keep Math-in-Focus at Schmitz Park is that my children are interested in
math, not intimidated by it. Two of my children are a bit accelerated in their learning, the
other one is doing fine, quite average. But all three enjoy the math homework they bring
home. The concepts make the wonder of learning come alive in them. Math was always my
favorite subject, and I still love mathematics as an area of leisurely study. I can see that my
children, due to their teachers and strong curriculum, may have that feeling as well.
Additionally, I feel strongly that the Schmitz Park Community has invested heavily in time
and resource to make Math-in-Focus an integral part of its curriculum. The idea of changing
curriculum now is abhorrent to me; it would be both a waste of that time and effort and a
distraction for the faculty who would have to change.
My husband and I value education above all else. He teaches in the Seattle Public Schools and
has taught at public middle schools in the state of Washington for over 20 years. I work at the
UW directing a staff department that relies heavily on statistical reasoning and programming.
Both of us love Schmitz Park and its community. However, my main reason for not sending
my children to private school is the Math-in-Focus curriculum. I did a lot of research before
choosing Schmitz Park and I'm very concerned about later years at Middle and High School.
But I do hope you will consider allowing our children the opportunity to continue their strong
math experience at Schmitz Park, and I hope that my soon-to-be-kindergarten child will have
that same opportunity.
I thank you for your consideration.
If you wish to talk further, please don't hesitate to contact me,
Susan Hayes-McQueen
206.355.2251
From: Tari Coffey
Subject: Fwd: School Board vote TODAY; will Singapore Math prevail?
My apologies for this last minute attempt to reach out to you prior to the very important
decision you will be making in less than 10 minutes. I am a parent of two children that attend
Schmitz Park. The Singapore math program works. It is different than a traditional way that I
was raised in math. But the logic, the education behind the examples and the key learnings for
love of math is where this program needs no fixing.
There are a multitude of different programs that all offer their benefits. However, what I have
learned in life is simply that if something is not broken, then are no reasons to try and fix it.
Please consider the choice behind your decisions.
Thank you,
Tari Coffey
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Schmitz Park PTA <Schmitz_Park_PTA@mail.vresp.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 4, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Subject: School Board vote TODAY; will Singapore Math prevail?
To: tari@cletuscoffey.com
Dear PTA members and concerned parents

TODAY JUNE 4 AT 4:15PM, the School Board is voting on the math curriculum for all K-5
Schools to be used for the next seven years. While EnVision Math was the program
recommended by the Math Adoption Committee, multiple schools and SPS board members
have challenged this recommendation to incorporate a Singapore based Math program, called
Math In Focus. Schmitz Park staff, teachers, parents and the PTA board are all in agreement
that a Singapore Math program is the best math curriculum for our kids (and we have
the scores to prove it!)

Of the 27,000 K-5 students in Seattle public schools, only 150 parents have so far have
provided feedback. However, because of their voice, we now have the chance to be heard at
tonight's hearing, and again by email today. Please help us today, by emailing these key
contacts and expressing your concerns
martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org;
sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org;
sherry.carr@seattleschools.org;
harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org;
stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org;
sue.peters@seattleschools.org;
betty.patu@seattleschools.org;
isvela@seattleschools.org;
superintendent@seattleschools.org;
anna.box@seattleschools.org;
slheath@seattleschools.org;
mftolley@seattleschools.org
For more information please see our blog (www.schmitzparkpta.org), where you will find
combined thoughts and testimonies of Gerrit, Schmitz Park teachers, parents, your PTA
board, and other local schools and math advocates.

In summary
This vote will determine whether or not Schmitz (and other schools) get the option to have a
Singapore based program.
This vote will determine whether or not this option will be paid by the district or by the PTA
(approximately $200,000 over 7 years)
You can help influence this outcome. Please email the SPS board with your opinion.

Thank you for putting our children's interest first, and making a difference in their education.
Very best regards,

Your PTA board

Click to view this email in a browser
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PO Box 16125
US
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
--
Thanks,
Tari
From: bushidocoder@gmail.com
betty.patu@seattleschools.org; isvela@seattleschools.org
Subject: Let Seattle schools keep using Math in Focus
It goes without saying that the future our children must compete in requires a strong
background in math and science.
As the father of a 5 year old who will be starting kindergarden in Seattle Public Schools next
year, there are few issues more important than making sure he gets an education that will
allow him to compete in the 21st century. That requires the best math education.
Although I disagree, I can understand why the district wants to adhere to a curriculum that
maps closely to the Common Core standards. That said, schools that have optionally adopted
Singapore Math have proven its value, and it would be a tragedy to those kids (including
mine) to give them a lesser curriculum. I wish I could convince you to adopt Math in Focus
for all students, but please, do not restrict the ability for individual schools, teachers and
PTAs to make their own decisions.
Steve Jackson
Father
To: Brooks, Heather E
Don't send. I'll fill you in.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 4, 2014, at 2:54 PM, "Brooks, Heather E" <hebrooks@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hi Kelly,

Jon asked us assistants to send this out on your behalf, but I have a couple of
questions about that. First, do you want me to send it the way it is, or do you
want to make changes? Kim came over and told Maria that she (Kim) would
send it after making a few changes. Secondly, should I change the very
bottom where it says Jon Jon Halfaker to you, so it seems like you drafted
the letter, or should I just send it on your behalf, leaving it as Jon as the
author?
Sent: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 11:20 AM
To: Ayer, Erika J ; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, J ennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy,
Dedy G; Floe, Martin; Floyd, Wayne; Geoghagan, Rina; Golosman, Daniel P; J askot,
Stanley C; J ohnson, Anne; Kleitsch, Sue; Loveness, Marilyn; Ota, Michelle; Pearl, Katrina
M; Sammons, RJ ; Schweitzer, Melissa; Suleiman, J eanne M; Talbot, Sarah M; Trotter,
Walter; Watters, Cindy J ; Wynkoop, Keven
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly;
Dizon, Daniel S; Fitzpatrick, Nathan T; DeJ arnatt, Dana; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Suleiman,
J eanne M; Brooks, Heather E
Subject: Math and Displaced Staff Update

I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math adoption. I
wish I could offer a better preview, but right now, all bets are off on what will finally be
decided. It has been encouraging to hear from so many of you that a singular adoption is
your preference, which is what the Executive Directors are also hoping to see happen. I
would encourage all elementary and K8 principals to review your decision making matrix
and prime your BLTs for possible quick and intensive work in the next ten days, as building
based decisions may be part of the Board decisions tonight. Fun!

As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two evenings going
over every displaced employee's file, categories, and highly qualified status as we sought to
make matches with open positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is necessary
for our system as a whole to ensure all staff is accounted for and to get to Phase III hiring as
early as possible. In some years, it has been mid to late August before the final displaced
staff were placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open positions. That will not be
the case this year.

We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for. The great
news is that over half of that group made matches at last week's job fair. While that still
left 80 to place this week, it did make the process better. We want everyone to know that
placing a teacher in a building was not done in haste, nor was it done without a discussion
regarding each position and building. Because there are many buildings that are restricted
from taking displaced staff per policy and contract language, as well as many that had no
open positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we sought to
balance placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some cases, where a
single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one category or
endorsement, we had no choice but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates
existed, we tried to make the best match possible.

If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee
immediately to set a meeting to discuss their transition to your building. If, during the
summer, they choose to apply for and accept a position in another building or district, or to
resign from SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.

Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a process to track on
displaced staff, buildings that historically displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that
evaluate staff out of SPS, and buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff.
We are also working to build a mandatory flag that pops when an employee resigns from
SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later that will include contact with the previous

If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha and Keven,
we would suggest you arrive early.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Halfaker

From: Molly Schoeb
To: martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org;; sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org;; sherry.carr@seattleschools.org;;
harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org;; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org;;
sue.peters@seattleschools.org;; betty.patu@seattleschools.org;; isvela@seattleschools.org;;
superintendent@seattleschools.org;; anna.box@seattleschools.org;; slheath@seattleschools.org;;
mftolley@seattleschools.org
Subject: Allow Singapore Math!
Hello,
I am a Schmitz Park Elementary school parent. My son is currently in Kindergarten & my younger son will
eventually go there as well.
Schmitz Park currently uses Singapore math. Please VOTE to allow us to continue using Singapore Math
programs. This math program has been proven to work & our school has the numbers to show it.
You all would be extremely influential in our sons' math education to allow us to continue with our school's current
success & build off of the Singapore math concepts.
Thank you,
Molly Schoeb
3610 44th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
From: Chris Bennett
Subject: KEEP SINGAPORE MATH!

Hello,

I have three sons at Schmitz Park Elementary and am writing to voice my strong support in
keeping Singapore Math in our schools. The outstanding test results speak for themselves -
Singapore Math is a proven, student-friendly methodology that works.

I encourage you to consider not only my opinion but the input from many other parents who
have seen positive results with their children through Singapore Math. KEEP IT PLEASE!

Thank you.

Chris Bennett

From: Monica Miller
To: martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org; sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org; harium.martin-
morris@seattleschools.org; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org; sue.peters@seattleschools.org;
Subject: Another parent for Math In Focus
I'm the parent of 2 children at Schmitz Park Elementary and we'd like to continue on the positive path of
learning Singapore Math. The test results should speak for themselves. Let's stick with what has been
proven to work!
Thank you,
Monica Miller
From: Michael Greenberg
Cc: mftolley@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; anna.box@seattleschools.org;
superintendent@seattleschools.org; isvela@seattleschools.org; betty.patu@seattleschools.org;
sue.peters@seattleschools.org; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org; harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org;
sherry.carr@seattleschools.org; sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org; martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org
Subject: Full support for Singapore Math program at Schmitz Park
Tonight the Seattle Schools School Board will cast a critical vote that will determine the best
math curriculum. As parents of a 2nd grader at Schmitz Park, we urge you to listen to what
our family and families throughout the district are saying; please honor our commitment to
the Singapore Math program. The program is sound and effective as you can see from items
1-5 below. Most importantly, our daughter is thriving in math. This is quite a difference
coming from the Dallas Independent School District which did not support such an innovative
math program. We encourage you to honor our financial commitment to this program. We
have the buy in from parents and teachers on this topic and we should be allowed to work
hand in hand with our educators to teach our children. Please support the Singapore Match
Program!

1. Test Scores - Of Schmitz Parks 70 graduating 5th graders, 51% will or are likely to skip 6th grade math
after 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (A score of 235+ generally advances students to 7th grade math. 27
students scored 235+. A score of 228-234 qualifies a student to take the middle school placement test to
confirm they will advance to 7th grade math. 9 students scored 228-234.) Of STEM at Borens 36
graduating 5th graders, 81% will or are likely to skip 6th grade math after 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (27
students scored 235+, 2 scored 228-234.)
2. Buy In Singapore Math has backing from elementary schools (and middle and high schools) across the
district. It was chosen 7 years ago as a supplementary curriculum by SPS. The problem was
supplementary did not come with any district support in the form of professional development or
materials for students. Buy in from parents is not easy to achieve and here is an example of where it is
only growing, yet, SPS is ready to dismiss it.
3. English Language Learners Our children of ethnicity comprise 62% of the district (Bilingual children
(ELL) are 38%), and increasing their proficiency rates requires a program that shows success for students
struggling with text intensive math programs. Math in Focus district wide would Improve systems District
wide to Support Academic Outcomes, which has been proven by Schmitz Park Math scores and K5Stem at
Boren scores. Concerns have been raised the enVision curriculum has too much text and will continue to
present a English language barrier for ELL students. MATH IN FOCUS is language neutral, which is why this
curriculum is Excellent and this would ensure Equity for EVERY Student, not just for English speaking
families or schools that can afford waivers.
4. Student Mobility There is the occurrence of student mobility in the Southern sections of our district
where students may transfer in and out of Seattle Schools with the Highline School District. Highline uses
Math in Focus and has achieved such strong results they are rolling the curriculum up to their middle
schools. Math consistency during a transition can only help make the changing of schools easier on
students impacted by changing schools.
5. Teachers and Principals Testimonials click here to read testimonials made by our own schools. There
is a reason Singapore Math was selected at our newest Science, Technology, Mathematics & Engineering
(STEM) School. There is a reason Schmitz Park achieves high middle school placement scores year over
year.
Respecfully yours,
Michael A. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Katie Greenberg
4452 50th Avenue SW 98116
214-663-0328
From: Hayley Craig
To: martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org; sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org; harium.martin-
morris@seattleschools.org; stephan.blanford@seattleschools.org; sue.peters@seattleschools.org;
anna.box@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; mftolley@seattleschools.org;
sherry.carr@seattleschools.org
Subject: Math In Focus Option
Dear District Members Voting on Math Adoption,

I am a mother of three girls, the older two currently at Schmitz Park Elementary, writing to
you for your support of our Singapore Math program. I am also a Washington Certified
Elementary, Mathematics Teacher with a Masters in Special Education. I have eleven years
of teaching experience, 9 in this state with the Mercer Island School District.

I am asking you to vote in favor of the Math In Focus Option for our children. A vote to allow
schools to choose between the top two programs would seem the most reasonable. As a
school we have funded our Singapore program and have been VERY happy to see the
achievements of our children. Would not it be wonderful to see that happen in other
schools as well?

Making this option available to other schools who cannot afford the program but have the
desire to reach their students seems like the reason you are in your positions today. Please
help the students of Seattle by voting to approve the funding of the Math In Focus
curriculum in tandem. I can quote you all of the data we have but you have seen it and I
trust that you can see the true benefits this will have for our children.

Sincerely,
Hayley Craig
From: Pritchett, Sarah J on behalf of Gonzales-Millsap, Maria
To: Allan, Claudia; Archer, Kelley A; Breuder, Maria E; Claytor, Rhonda; Conner, Shannon; Cox, J ulie A; Elliott, David;
Gerrans, Neil T; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Guenther, Patricia; Hanson, Kari; Helm, Christine M; Howard II,
Theodore; Imel, Greg; McDaniel, Mary; Pedroza, Concepcion; Perry, Mark; Smith J r., Marion J ; Thompson,
Awnie; Turner, Virginia; Wiley, J ennifer
Good afternoon everyone!

I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math adoption. I wish I could offer
a better preview, but right now, all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been encouraging to
hear from so many of you that a singular adoption is your preference, which is what the Executive
Directors are also hoping to see happen. I would encourage all elementary and K8 principals to review
your decision making matrix and prime your BLTs for possible quick and intensive work in the next ten
days, as building based decisions may be part of the Board decisions tonight. Fun!

As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two evenings going over every
positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is necessary for our system as a whole to ensure all
staff is accounted for and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible. In some years, it has been mid to
late August before the final displaced staff were placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open
positions. That will not be the case this year.

We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for. The great news is that
over half of that group made matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this week, it
did make the process better. We want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building was not
done in haste, nor was it done without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because there
are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff per policy and contract language, as well
as many that had no open positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we
sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some cases, where a
single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one category or endorsement, we
had no choice but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we tried to make the
best match possible.

If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee immediately to set a
meeting to discuss their transition to your building. If, during the summer, they choose to apply for and
accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire
immediately.

Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a process to track on displaced staff,
buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff. We are also working to build a mandatory
flag that pops when an employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a few years later that will
include contact with the previous principal or admin team so we avoid repute concerns.

If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha and Keven, we would
suggest you arrive early.

Best,

Sarah
A
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Whitworth, Kim; Vela, Israel; Halfaker, J on; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria
Hi Everyone!
did make the process better. We want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building was not done
in haste, nor was it done without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because there are
many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff per policy and contract language, as well as
many that had no open positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we sought to
balance placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some cases, where a single position
existed that matched an employee who also only had one category or endorsement, we had no choice but
to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we tried to make the best match possible.
accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.

Best,
KW
From: Barry Baker
Subject: Math is essential to learning
Seattle School Board and Staff,
When our first child, now in the fourth grade, was nearing the age of kindergarten, my wife
and I visited four different schools to determine which we would want our children
attending. Two were private schools and two were public schools. The Westside School
(private) and Lafayette Elementary (public) had an impressive tour and talked about their
advanced programs. But my wife and I, both engineers, were much more impressed with
Schmitz Park Elementary and the focus on basic elementary learning of reading, writing, and
arithmetic. We thumbed through the workbooks on the cafeteria table and both
commented that this was very traditional, solid, fundamental math. It wasn't until later that
we learned that Schmitz Park had applied for and received a waiver to be able to teach
Singapore math. I know the three "R" are not sexy and the "current" thinking, but they are
absolutely essential to learning.
There has been a great deal of ink spilled on STEM schools and the need for people qualified
for this jobs. But as engineers working in the field, we can tell you that without an
understanding of math, all the cool sounding school programs will not achieve the intent of
these programs. And our experience is not just limited to being engineers; while in college I
tutored math both in a lab by the school and for those that were struggling with the basic. I
know that different students learn by different methods and there needs to be an approach
to the student where they can learn the material. But math is math, always has been and
always will be. The "latest research" (which is often just another term for marketing) will
not change that. We didn't put a man on the moon or build the internet by talking about or
envisioning math, we did it by doing math. The world of physics hasn't changed and the
language for that world is math.
Schmitz Park has a track record that cannot be denied as to the effectiveness of a carefully
selected and taught math curriculum. Please make the choice for a math program that can
give students the skills that are absolutely required in today's competitive workforce.
Barry Baker, P.E.
Catherine Baker, Ph.D.
4114 SW Charlestown Street
Seattle, WA 98116
From: angela cough
anna.box@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; mftolley@seattleschools.org; Schmitz Park PTA
Subject: Schmitz Park Students Are Succeeding in Math - Support Dual Adoption or Funded Waivers for the Continuation
of Singapore-Based Math! Respect our Investment!

I am strongly voicing my opposition to the Math Adoption Committees recommendation
to implement the enVision Math Program as the new math curriculum for all elementary
schools, effective this September, 2014. I have previously sent this communication and I
send it again to remond you of our commitment and investment in our children's
mathematic success.
When you vote this afternoon, think about the investment that we as parents have
made to enhance the education of our children and how the School District can
support our continued investment moving forward.

As a parent at Schmitz Park Elementary, I strongly support the continuation of our
Singapore-based mathematics curriculum and the rigor it has created for our students.

I selected this elementary school for my daughter in part for its commitment to
excellence through challenging its students regularly by adopting special programs that
go beyond whats mandated by the school district including its adoption and
insistence upon instructing mathematics via the Singapore methodology.

We are proud to be a part of a community who identifies Mathematics Mastery as a key
element in elementary education. Our families, past and present, have funded the
development and advancement of Singapore Math for our children. This commitment
has required annual donations from parents and the community supporting Schmitz
Park Elementary in excess of $100,000; this investment has generated proven results in
the success rate of our students, their abilities beyond 5th grade and their continued
success in adopting alternate curriculum methods as they move through their
educational careers.

I ask the Board Directors and District Staff to respect the investment our parents, and the
district, have made in Singapore Math at Schmitz Park and consider the following
alternatives:

1. Reject the Math Adoption Committees recommendation of enVision and adopt Math
in Focus as the new K-5 Math Curriculum.
2. Approve a Dual-Adoption giving schools the choice to implement enVision OR
Math in Focus
3. Amend Policy No. 2020 on the Waiver of Basic Instructional Materials to allow
Schmitz Park and other schools using, or desiring to use, aSingapore Math-based
curriculum like Math in Focus to ensure funding will be provided from the district to
support an approved alternative math curriculum.
Thank you for your time,
Angela Cough
Parent to Schmitz Park Elementary Student

From: Murphy McCullough
Subject: PLEASE APPROVE MATH IN FOCUS (BASED ON SINGAPORE MATH)
Please approve Math in Focus which is based upon Singapore Math for our kids.
My son goes to Schmitz Park and Singapore Math has been an amazing learning tool.
Thank you.
-Murphy McCullough
From: Laura Hopkins
To: isvela@seattleschools.org
Subject: Tonight"s math curriculum vote
I am writing to strongly urge you to allow adoption of the "Math In Focus" curriculum which uses the Singapore
math model. I have been a parent of 3 children at Schmitz Park elementary where they have beta tested this
program. The results are unquestionable and I have seen it first hand with all three of my children. Please vote to
allow Math in Focus to be used at the schools.
Thank you,
Laura
206-617-2202
To: Sanchez, Elena
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; J essee, Wyeth
Subject: RE: Vendor demos for Common Core Interim Benchmark System (DAY 1)
Thanks for your input. Yes, we definitely understand the importance of aligning to the new SPS
scope/sequence and the new math curriculum. The effort would require leaders/teachers from
different schools working together (this summer) with the vendor (if one is chosen) and central
office to develop a common scope and sequence to align the benchmarks to. This would be a huge
challenge of course, but one we are carefully considering as a real possibility.

Eric

From: Sanchez, Elena
To: Anderson, Eric M

My initial feedback is that I hope the benchmarks that are developed are aligned with the new SPS
scope/sequence and whatever math curriculum is chosen. Our teachers are already working on
curriculum maps for next year and I would hate for their work/planning to have to be redone in
the Fall to align with benchmark blueprints.

Thanks, Eric.

Elena

Elena Sanchez
Assistant Principal
Maple Elementary
(206) 252-8316
elsanchez@seattleschools.org

To: Sanchez, Elena

Hi Elena,

We understand. I certainly would value your perspective. Feel free to contact me if you have any
thoughts or questions.

Eric

Eric M. Anderson, Ph.D.
Manager, Research, Evaluation, & Assessment
Office of Strategic Planning
(206) 252-0844
emanderson@seattleschools.org

From: Sanchez, Elena
To: Anderson, Eric M

I would really like to attend but will not be able to get away from the building on those days.
Thanks for the invite!

Elena

Elena Sanchez
Assistant Principal
Maple Elementary
(206) 252-8316
elsanchez@seattleschools.org

To: Heath, Shauna L; J essee, Wyeth; Klainer, Amy J ; Cook, Shawn M; Vasquez, Kathleen; Box, Anna M;
Haas, Alexandria; Navarro, Diane T; Caldwell, Eric; Morton, Matt; Carter, Christopher E; Williams, Mia T;
Chen, Walter C; Clark, J eff; Mirabueno, Sara; Gallagher, Robert M; Sohn, Douglas; Powell, Sandra C;
Hanson, Kari; Sacco, Vicki K; Dysart, Adam W; Boone, Marleen; Burton, Artise; Drennan, Breanna A;
Dondoyano, Elaine S; Sanchez, Elena; Pearl, Katrina M; Rasmussen, Erin C; Aramaki, Kelly; 'Aisenberg,
Kathryn'
Cc: Rudell, Michelle; !West Seattle Elementary Allstaff; Raymond, Elizabeth A; Mills, Kathleen
Subject: Vendor demos for Common Core Interim Benchmark System (DAY 1)

Dear School Leaders and School Staff,

We realize it may be difficult for you to attend these demos during the last week of school and its
certainly not required for schools to send representatives. This is a courtesy invitation for a select
number of schools to help provide input into our decision. The vendors will be presenting their
approach to working with SPS to build an interim benchmark assessment and data reporting
system aligned to Common Core. Your input would be valuable and appreciated if youre able to
attend.

Thank you.

Eric M. Anderson, Ph.D.
Manager, Research, Evaluation, & Assessment
Office of Strategic Planning
(206) 252-0844
emanderson@seattleschools.org

From: Boyd, Glen
To: McLaren, Martha; Peaslee, Sharon D; Carr, Sherry L; Martin-Morris, Harium; Blanford, Stephan; Peters, Susan M;
Patu, Betty; Vela, Israel; Superintendent; "anna.box@seattleschools.org"; Heath, Shauna L; Tolley, Michael F
Cc: Kovacs-Storlie, Audrey S; Cochran, Dana L
Subject: Please adopt Singapore math curriculum
Hello,

I am a parent of two elementary age students and work as a school psychologist in Seattle Public
Schools. I have seen firsthand how Singapore-based math curriculum has been very effective in
teaching math to students with and without disabilities. Quantitative and qualitative data is
available that proves it works. Please choose to adopt the Singapore-based Math program, Math
in Focus, for our students.

Thank you,

Glen M. Boyd, NCSP
School Psychologist
Madison Middle School/West Seattle High School
(206) 252-9218

From: Heidi Hubbard
Subject: Math Curriculum Vote today
Powerful support for a Singapore math based program from the experience at STEM K-5 was
presented during a meeting I attended on Saturday. It was thrilling to hear about the success
they have had in closing the achievement gap, especially with ELL students. We also
discussed the issues ELL students in the Southwest schools (Highland Park, Sanislo, Roxhill)
have had with the verbiage related to Everyday Math. Using a Singapore Math program
would address this.
I have been very pleased with my son's progress in math at Schmitz Park and I would like all
students in Seattle Public Schools to have the opportunity to use this curriculum.
Please vote for Math In Focus as an option for our schools.
Thank you for your attention.
Heidi K Hubbard
From: Susan Goplen
Cc: Susan Goplen & Kevin Broveleit
Subject: Dual adoption approach: Please Also Adopt Math in Focus/Singapore Math
To the Seattle Public School Board:

I am the parent of a kindergarten student in Seattle Public Schools. My husband and I have been
privileged to see our daughter thrive using a Singapore Math curriculum this past year. My
husband and I continue to be amazed at the depth of her learning, and her true love of math. I am
astonished at the level of abstraction for mathematical thinking she has at this young age.

It would be detrimental to my child to switch to a different type of curriculum during her academic
career. Further, all of the teachers at our daughters school (Schmitz Park) have invested an
enormous amount of time and energy into being trained in Singapore Math. Teachers, students,
and parents are unanimous in their support for this curriculum. It would be a waste of their
training, and utterly demoralizing to our school community, to switch to a different curriculum at
this juncture.

We urge the Seattle Public Schools to adopt a dual adoption approach, and allow schools who wish
to adopt the Math in Focus curriculum the opportunity to do so. Thank you for your consideration
in this very important matterSusan Goplen

Susan K. Goplen
Law Offices of Susan K. Goplen, PS
520 Pike Street, Suite 2600
Seattle, WA 98101-4082
206.686.2700
susan@goplenlaw.com
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From: Karisse Hendrick
To: isvela@seattleschools.org
Subject: Tonight"s School Board Vote
Hello,
I know that you have probably heard from several parents of Schmitz Park kids regarding the
School Board vote today on math curriculum, but I wanted to share our family's request and
story prior to your vote this evening.
My daughter, who is now in 4th grade at Schmitz Park did not start her elementary journey at
this school. She spent Kindergarten and 1st grade at another school in West Seattle that was
perceived as just as good as the others that were able to raise much more funds in PTA
budgets to afford additional curriculum. This was due to our address at the time, but also, I
liked the diversity she was exposed to and honestly thought that those "other schools" were
just spending money because they could and honestly laughed at them more than once. We
were lucky enough to have a great Kindergarten teacher, but then in first grade, things
changed. She wasn't learning as much as our other friends in other schools, along with other
social problems. At the end of that tumultuous year, we, among several other parents had to
make a stressful decision to take our kids to another school. While many couldn't sell their
homes and move, most kids went to private school, while we were fortunate enough to have
been renting and moved in the Schmitz Park area, specifically for a better school choice.
What I want to convey is that the difference in many things was night and day, but none were
as dramatic as the change in her math skills. My daughter went from hating and not
understanding math to loving everything about working through a problem and grew to
understand and love this subject. The learning curve was very steep and not without
challenges, but the fact that she only moved a few miles to skip years ahead of her peers in
other schools is something that can't be ignored. While I really wish that all kids in the
Seattle school district could have the experience that these kids have had, I really hope that
those of you in school board at least vote to allow the kids who have found their love and
opportunity to excel in this subject to continue to follow this path. It's no secret that our
community, country and world need more professionals to be in the STEM occupations, and
the love or hate of these subjects starts at a very young age. The test results and enjoyment
that these kids have experienced is not a fluke. It would honestly be detrimental for them to
have to make a change in what and how they learn these concepts that will stay with them
forever. If the parents are willing to write large checks to fund this for their children, they
should be able to do so as an investment in our future.
Because we have seen first hand the drastic difference that two cultures and curriculum can
impact everything about a child from their self confidence to which subjects they are attracted
to most, I wanted to share this with you so you can consider this tonight when you cast your
very important vote.
Thank you.
Karisse Hendrick
Mother of Jordyn Earle, 4th grade student at Schmitz Park Elementary
From: Cheri Libby-Carl
Subject: Singapore Math/Math in Focus option for Schmitz Park Elementary
Date: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 11:56:45 AM
First of all, thank you for all you do for our schools and our children.

I write to you as a concerned parent of a Kindergarten student. I was very excited when my son
started at Schmitz Park Elementary this year and part of this was due to their approach to learning,
specifically with Singapore math. I believe that having a Math in Focus option (which as you know
mirrors Singapore Math) will better serve our children. I base this on proven test scores and
testimonials from friends and fellow parents.

You had asked for parent input as part of the process and my understanding is that the feedback
was overwhelmingly in favor of adopting Math in Focus.

Please let us, as a school community, have the option to select Math in Focus for our children.

Whether you decide to go the dual adoption route or just select Math in Focus, I feel you would be
helping Seattle children achieve better math results and especially help our elementary students
form a strong math foundation that will benefit them for years to come.

If for some reason you are unable to move forward with one of these options, I still feel schools
should be able to select the math option they feel is better for their school, and utilize whatever
money would be earmarked to be spent on implementing the other math option towards that
selection.

Sincerely,

Cheri Libby Carl
(and Andrew Carl)

From: Fiona Preedy
Subject: Math in Focus please
School Board Directors,

From the report that SPS provided regarding Singapore Math at Schmitz Park, it is apparent
that there are some that are not interested in telling a well-rounded and comprehensive
story regarding the on-going success of this program. Our students thrive on Singapore
Math and we feel that all schools would benefit from being able to use this curriculum.

Schmitz Park has a proven track record and success with the Singapore Math program and
my children have benefited greatly from it. Please vote to include Math in Focus in the Math
Adoption.

Thank you,
Fiona Preedy

Past PTA President, Schmitz Park
Parent of a WMS student
Parent of a Schmitz Park Student
SPS Advocate

To: Sammons, RJ ; Cox, J ulie A
Subject: Re: Math Materials - FYI
Great answers from both of you. Julie, I sent something out via the NW group-list. It should be coming
from Sarah very soon. We'll know more on all of this in a few hours.
Jon Halfaker
From: <Sammons>, RJ <rjsammons@seattleschools.org>
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2014 11:41 AM
To: "Cox, Julie A" <jasturmancox@seattleschools.org>
Cc: SPS <johalfaker@seattleschools.org>
Subject: RE: Math Materials - FYI
Our BLT has reviewed both math programs and has proposed that we go with the district adoption
once that is finalized. If by chance the board chooses a dual adoption then we will meet again as a
staff to vote Thanks for the update, I have been communicating that you and I will work through
this together so thats the right message

From: Cox, J ulie A
To: Sammons, RJ
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Math Materials - FYI

Good Morning RJ,

I had a nice dinner with your PTA last night. Just a quick FYI -- They are concerned over the math
adoption (board vote tonight). If the board votes to have a duel adoption, they are concerned
about which one of us will make the decision for the school. The deadline is June 30. I assured
them that we would talk to the teachers about this and get a choice submitted for North Beach.

I just wanted you to know that this is a concern for them. I will let you work with your staff to
make the decision. I dont have a preference about one curriculum over the other. Im all about
CCSS-M and teachers getting the materials that they fell best support the standards. I will be here
making the same decisions for Blaine. If you feel that you dont have time for this, PLEASE let me
know and I will meet with NB teachers to make the final decision.

Kind regards, Julie

From: Sammons, RJ
To: !North Beach Allstaff
Subject: Today and the rest of this week
Importance: High

I apologize for not sending the FYI this Monday here are the updates for the rest of this week:

Wednesday
2:00-4:00pm, library please bring your writing celebrations and your placement cards

Thursday
6:30pm, Volunteer Potluck/celebration

Friday
Spanish club I have a family event and will not be able to attend (location TBD) Ill switch the locus
of control on this one J and remember that our staff party is right around the corner!

RJ Sammons
(206) 252-1510

From: Brooks, Heather E
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: FW: Math and Displaced Staff Update
I will send this out to all of the schools in the SE as you, is that alright? I will also change
the signature block below to you as well.

To: Ayer, Erika J ; Beach, Tami R; Benkovitz, J ennifer L; Britsova, Oksana A; Fauntleroy, Dedy G; Floe,
Martin; Floyd, Wayne; Geoghagan, Rina; Golosman, Daniel P; J askot, Stanley C; J ohnson, Anne;
Kleitsch, Sue; Loveness, Marilyn; Ota, Michelle; Pearl, Katrina M; Sammons, RJ ; Schweitzer, Melissa;
Suleiman, J eanne M; Talbot, Sarah M; Trotter, Walter; Watters, Cindy J ; Wynkoop, Keven
Cc: Tolley, Michael F; Whitworth, Kim; Pritchett, Sarah J ; Vela, Israel; Aramaki, Kelly; Dizon, Daniel S;
Fitzpatrick, Nathan T; DeJ arnatt, Dana; Gonzales-Millsap, Maria; Suleiman, J eanne M; Brooks, Heather E



did make the process better. We want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building was not
done in haste, nor was it done without a discussion regarding each position and building. Because there
are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff per policy and contract language, as well
as many that had no open positions, this does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we
sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some cases, where a
single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one category or endorsement, we
had no choice but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we tried to make the
best match possible.

accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire
immediately.



Thanks,

Jon

Jon Halfaker

From: Cox, J ulie A
To: Sammons, RJ
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Great. Thanks. Let me know if I can help. J

From: Sammons, RJ
To: Cox, J ulie A
Cc: Halfaker, J on

Our BLT has reviewed both math programs and has proposed that we go with the district adoption
once that is finalized. If by chance the board chooses a dual adoption then we will meet again as a
staff to vote Thanks for the update, I have been communicating that you and I will work through
this together so thats the right message

From: Cox, J ulie A
To: Sammons, RJ
Cc: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Math Materials - FYI

Good Morning RJ,

I had a nice dinner with your PTA last night. Just a quick FYI -- They are concerned over the math
adoption (board vote tonight). If the board votes to have a duel adoption, they are concerned
about which one of us will make the decision for the school. The deadline is June 30. I assured
them that we would talk to the teachers about this and get a choice submitted for North Beach.

I just wanted you to know that this is a concern for them. I will let you work with your staff to
make the decision. I dont have a preference about one curriculum over the other. Im all about
CCSS-M and teachers getting the materials that they fell best support the standards. I will be here
making the same decisions for Blaine. If you feel that you dont have time for this, PLEASE let me
know and I will meet with NB teachers to make the final decision.

Kind regards, Julie

From: Sammons, RJ
To: !North Beach Allstaff
Subject: Today and the rest of this week
Importance: High

I apologize for not sending the FYI this Monday here are the updates for the rest of this week:

Wednesday
2:00-4:00pm, library please bring your writing celebrations and your placement cards

Thursday
6:30pm, Volunteer Potluck/celebration

Friday
Spanish club I have a family event and will not be able to attend (location TBD) Ill switch the locus
of control on this one J and remember that our staff party is right around the corner!

RJ Sammons
(206) 252-1510

From: David Waller
Subject: Singapore Math Vote Support
I wanted to express my support of leaving Schmitz park with the option to continue the Singapore
Math program. Both my wife and I feel that this program is the best math curriculum for our kids.

This is very important to us and need your support!

Please vote to let schools at least have the option to have a Singapore based program.

Thank you,

David Waller
(Parent of 2 kids at Schmitz Park)
From: Matthew J ohnston
Subject: Please "envision" Math In Focus
Hello distinguished School Board members,

Im sure youre being inundated with email so Ill keep this concise.

Im a parent and an active member of the Schmitz Park PTA, and Ive spent a lot of personal time
immersing myself in the debate around adopting a math program.

Ive come to a few conclusions:

The process followed by the committee was flawed and biased, and therefore their
recommendation is flawed and biased. By selecting the program that best aligns with CCSS
they appear to be exchanging lowest-common-denominator compliance for excellence in
our schools, and thats disappointing.
There is real data, available from within our own school system, that shows Singapore-
based curricula produces great results. Several Seattle schools have incubated Singapore
Math over the last 7 years and have the data to prove that it works. Ignoring the brave
innovation from these groundbreaking educators, and instead going with the
recommendation from a truncated and incomplete committee process, also seems
incredibly short-sighted.

Im not arguing one program over another here. Im suggesting that you have multiple schools
engaged in a multi-year incubation program with real students and teachers, doing real work with
actual results, telling you Singapore Math is the way to go. On the other side of the house you have
a small committee who by its own admission didnt have enough time, didnt look at any data, and
felt pressure to pick the program that most closely aligned with the CCSS.

Im no expert, but my money is on the results of the 7 year, real-world pilot program. You need to
do the right thing here and adopt Math In Focus, then do a complete post-mortem and audit of the
process that got us in this predicament and make sure it doesnt happen again. From my seat this
whole process is an embarrassment.

Thanks for your time.

MLJ
Audio Innovation Director
C/2213 X85912

From: Len S .
Subject: In support of a Singapore Math based Math-in-Focus curriculum
My daughter attends Schmitz Park Elementary School, where she has been involved with
their Singapore Math curriculum. She has thrived under this curriculum and is not only
learning how to solve problems, but is understanding math, how numbers work, and the
concepts behind addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
I am a financial advisor who also has an engineering and technology background. Math is a
passion of mine. I have been extremely impressed with the curriculum that she has been
exposed to through the Singapore Math at Schmitz Park, but more important than any
individual or personal anecdote is the fact that the test scores have proven and validated
that the Singapore curriculum is most effectively preparing our kids for the next level. Of
Schmitz Parks 70 graduating 5th graders, 51% will or are likely to bypass 6th grade math
after 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (A score of 235+ qualifies recommended students to enter
7th grade math and 27 students scored 235+. A score of 228-234 qualifies a student to take
the middle school placement test to confirm they will advance to 7th grade math.
Nine students scored 228-234.) Of STEM at Borens 36 graduating 5th graders, 81% will or
are likely to bypass 6th grade math after review of the 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (27 students
scored 235+, two scored 228-234.)
These results were achieved without District support for materials or professional
development, as Singapore has only been considered a supplementary curriculum. The
parents of the schools that have adopted it have believed so strongly in the program that
they have "footed the bill". As I see it, the mission of the Seattle public schools first and
foremost is to prepare our children and any other considerations should be a very distant
second. Singapore math has done a superior job in the recent past and continues to be the
option preferred by the parents who have experience with the terrific results of that
program. Please don't take this successful and effective program with proven results away
from the students who are benefiting from it and the parents who have given up so much to
give their students those benefits. At the very least adopt a "dual adoption" strategy that
includes Math in Focus.
Thank you,
Len Skiena
To: Aramaki, Kelly
Subject: follow-up
1. Talk to Michael S. about literacy and math coaches
2.
From: Carrie Doring
Subject: Adoption of Math in Focus
Dear Members of the Seattle School Board-

I understand that you are meeting tonight to vote to adopt Envision as the math program for
the entire Seattle School District. I would like you to reconsider this decision, and instead
recommend offering the Singapore based Math program - Math In Focus - as an alternate
option. This program has had proven results at Schmitz Park Elementary school - in the time
since Schmitz Park started using the Singapore math based program the math scores of
students have risen across the board. A majority (>50%) of Schmitz Park students are
entering middle school past the 6th grade math level which I doubt you are seeing with
other schools.

There is a slew of evidence on the Schmitz Park PTA web site for how using the Singapore
math curriculum has made a huge impact to our students. My personal experience is that
my son is coming home and is excited about his math - not only does he understand how to
do the work, I see him applying concepts outside of his homework sheets and in real and
practical ways. And this is a child who is currently struggling with some learning disabilities.

It would do a great disservice to students in the entire school district to deny them access to
a math program with PROVEN results and that offers a language neutral learning
environment. Please do not adopt the Envision math program as the only option, which I
doubt can do more than promise to maintain the status quo in math learning.

Thanks for listening-

Carrie Doring
From: Suzanne Shoemaker
Subject: I beg you to please support Schmitz Park in continuing our commitment to Singapore - Math in Focus!
Hello School Board Members: I am a concerned parent and PTA member at Schmitz Park Elementary
with a child in kindergarten and a large reason why we chose Schmitz Park was because of the amazing
things we heard about their Singapore Math program. I am writing to beg you to allow us the option to
continue this curriculum with the school boards support. It has proven very effective with our students
since it was first adopted and we do not want to adopt a new something new. Our success is your
success please support us in continuing to thrive with this amazingly successful program!
Here are Five Good Reasons why Singapore Math in Focus is the Right Choice for Schmitz Park
Elementary:
1. Test Scores Prove It - Of Schmitz Parks 70 graduating 5th graders, 51% will or are likely to
bypass 6th grade math after 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (A score of 235+ qualifies
recommended students to enter 7th grade math and 27 students scored 235+. A score of 228-
234 qualifies a student to take the middle school placement test to confirm they will advance to
7th grade math. Nine students scored 228-234.) Of STEM at Borens 36 graduating 5th graders,
81% will or are likely to bypass 6th grade math after review of the 2014 Spring MAP Scores. (27
students scored 235+, two scored 228-234.)
2. Buy- In: Schools Approve It Singapore Math has backing from elementary schools (and middle
and high schools) across the district. It was chosen 7 years ago as a supplementary curriculum
by SPS. The problem was supplementary did not come with any district support in the form of
professional development or materials for students. Buy in from parents is not easy to achieve
and here is an example of where it is only growing, yet, SPS is ready to dismiss it. Read
Testimonials.
3. Anyone Can Learn It Math in Focus is language neutral, ensuring Equity for EVERY Student.
In contrast, the EnVision curriculum is text heavy and will continue to present an English
language barrier for ELL students. Children of ethnicity comprise 62% of the district (Bilingual
children (ELL) are 38%). Increasing their proficiency rates requires a program that has proven
success for students struggling with text intensive math programs. Math in Focus
would Improve systems District wide to Support Academic Outcomes, which has been proven
by Schmitz Park Math scores and K5 Stem at Boren scores.
4. Student Mobility-Consistency There is frequent student mobility in the Southern sections of our
district, where students may transfer in and out of Seattle Schools with the Highline School
District. Highline uses Math in Focus and has achieved such strong results they are extending
their curriculum to their middle schools. Math consistency during a transition into the Seattle
School District will help make school transition easier for students.
5. Teachers and Principals Testimonials Read the testimonials made by teachers and parents
who feel strongly about Singapore Math. There is a reason Singapore Math was selected at our
newest Science, Technology, Mathematics & Engineering (STEM) School. There is a reason
Schmitz Park Elementary achieves high middle school placement scores year over year.

Sincerely,

Suzanne

Suzanne Shoemaker
Vice President
Benevon
206-428-2170
www.benevon.com

Learn more: $89.6 million raised by three Benevon alumni.

From: Kirk Neumann
anna.box@seattleschools.org; slheath@seattleschools.org; mftolley@seattleschools.org; Congdon J ennifer
Subject: Signapore Math at Schmitz Park Elementary
Hello,

We are the parents of a second grade girl and a kindergarten boy at Schmitz Park. We
strongly encourage the continued adoption of the Singapore Math program. Our daughter
likes math and is doing extremely well. We want to encourage her to go into the sciences
and math is critical in these disciplines. Our son is in kindergarten and as the youngest in his
class has struggled. Math has been the one subject that he excels and gives him confidence
in the classroom.

Moving to a different math program would be detrimental to our children's progress.

Thank you for listening and doing the right thing for our children!

Kirk and Jen Neumann
From: Shaughn FitzGerald
Subject: vote for Signapore math/Math in Focus!
Hello.
I am a parent of a 2nd and 4th grader at Schmitz Park Elementary in West Seattle. I beg of you
to vote for Math in Focus as the program for the district. It is the BEST math program for
building the foundation of life long math learning. We have seen a HUGE difference in our
kids learning math (compared to kids we know in other schools). Please vote for Math in
Focus today!
Sincerely,
Shaughn FitzGerald
From: Seagraves, J oe
Subject: PLEASE SUPPORT THE SINGAPORE MATH OPTION
Dear School Board Members and School District Staff,

As a parent of a 1
st
grader and (soon to be) kindergartener at Schmitz Parke Elementary, I
wanted to express our urgent plea for your support of the Singapore Math program option. The
progress at Schmitz has been demonstrated in test scores and is evident in the enthusiasm and
progress amongst students school wide. Our son recently achieved a 97% spring MAP score and
has been converted into an energetic math student. Our opinions and observations are universal
amongst other Schmitz Park parents that we discuss math progress with. Please consider the
results and the passion that is evident at Schmitz Park and please extend the support of the school
district so that the program can continue without the necessity and diversion of useful PTA
resources on fundamental curriculum.

Thanks in advance for your hard work, your consideration and your support!

Sincerely,
Joe Seagraves
Parent

From: J oelle Hammerstad
Cc: Schmitz Park PTA; david hammerstad; gakischner@seattleschools.org
Subject: Math In Focus (Singapore Math)
Dear Seattle Public Schools Administrators and School Board members:
I am the parent of a kindergarten student at Schmitz Park Elementary, and I am very
concerned about the possibility that his opportunity to learn math with the Singapore
Math curriculum may be in jeopardy.
When you vote tonight, I implore you to allow Singapore Math to continue at Schmitz
Park Elementary. The school and its students have been extremely successful with
this program thus far. Parents have been supporting it for 6 years with our own
dollars. It is highly important to us.
There are many paths to becoming a well-educated adult. At Schmitz Park, we've
found one way, using the Singapore Math curriculum, that is exceptionally
successful. To pull this tool from us now would create a burden and challenge that
would certainly slow down the incredible advances this school has made with math.
Please consider that not everyone is meant to learn in the exact same way, and allow
us to continue with the progress we've made so far.
I appeal to you to approve Math In Focus.
Thank you for your service to our students.
Sincerely,
Joelle Hammerstad
West Seattle
From: Mark Wainwright
Subject: SPS Math adoption
Hello SPS Board Members and Staff -
As a parent of two students and previous PTA President from Schmitz Park Elementary, I
implore you to vote to support the adoption of Math In Focus in Seattle Public Schools.
A single curriculum adoption is preferred, but I would also advocate for a dual-adoption
with Math In Focus as one of the optional programs.
My children have benefitted tremendously from Singapore Math. It is no mistake why Schmitz
Park has both grown at an incredible pace AND IS STILL turning out highly proficient math
learners. As you know, with the increased focus on STEM-based programs that prepare
children for the technology-focused careers that await them, we need to provide our children
the very best math foundation we can.
We should not pursue "good". We should pursue "best".
There are many case studies from local, regional, national, and global examples that show the
power of Singapore Math.
We were informed of the math curriculum selection process and the various aspects of each
program, including the cost implications, from our Schmitz Park community members who
took an active role in the process. I understand this is a difficult decision that takes into
account all these factors.
So please vote today with the futures of our children in your mind. Vote for the best program
available, which I believe is Math In Focus.
Sincerely,
Mark Wainwright
Schmitz Park parent
Past PTA President
3707 Walnut Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-595-7740
mwainwright@mac.com
From: Christine Morrell
Subject: [Possible SPAM] Please continue Singapore Math in SPS
Importance: Low
I know you have an important vote today regarding the future of the math
curriculum in Seattle Public Schools. I join many other parents from Schmitz
Park Elementary and urge you to continue Singapore Math by approving the
dual adoption amendment put forth by Directors McLaren and Peters.
My family left the Mercer Island School District in 2011 to join Schmitz Park
Elementary in large part to benefit from the Singapore Math curriculum at the
school. After participating in schools in 3 countries, I can definitively say that
my three children have gained the most from learning math via the Singapore
curriculum. After 3 years at Schmitz Park, it would be a significant
disadvantage for them to shift away from this impressive style of learning to
the less successful EnVision curriculum.
Please support the dual adoption amendment and allow Math In Focus to be
supported by Seattle Public Schools.
Kind Regards,
Christine Morrell
Mother of Schmitz Park students Ryan (4th grade) and Andrew (2nd grade)

From: Christine Morrell
Subject: Please continue Singapore Math in SPS
I know you have an important vote today regarding the future of the math
curriculum in Seattle Public Schools. I join many other parents from Schmitz
Park Elementary and urge you to continue Singapore Math by approving the
dual adoption amendment put forth by Directors McLaren and Peters.
My family left the Mercer Island School District in 2011 to join Schmitz Park
Elementary in large part to benefit from the Singapore Math curriculum at the
school. After participating in schools in 3 countries, I can definitively say that
my three children have gained the most from learning math via the Singapore
curriculum. After 3 years at Schmitz Park, it would be a significant
disadvantage for them to shift away from this impressive style of learning to
the less successful EnVision curriculum.
Please support the dual adoption amendment and allow Math In Focus to be
supported by Seattle Public Schools.
Kind Regards,
Christine Morrell
Mother of Schmitz Park students Ryan (4th grade) and Andrew (2nd grade)

From: J eff Rayner
Cc: schmitzpark@jeffrayner.com
Subject: Single Math Adoption: Multiple Perspectives
Attachments: Testimonal_STEM Staff and Parents.pdf
Testimonal_NaheedNizam.pdf
Testimonial_Stephanie Poole TEACHER.PDF
Testimonal_Annabel Quintero SANISLO.PDF
Testimonial_Dana Cochran TEACHER.PDF
Testimonial_Stephanie Poole TEACHER.PDF

I am writing today as a parent, to request that you consider what is truly the best program(s) for
the children of Seattle.
ELL: Given that EnVision is text heavy and Math In Focus is language neutral, will ELL
children really get as much from EV as they would from MiF? If you want to close the
achievement gap, let's adopt a program that helps our struggling and ELL kids.
see testimonies from Sanislo and STEM
RESULTS: Why do 5th grade students from both STEM and Schmitz Park fare so well?
51% of SP likely to skip 6th grade Math, 81% of STEM. (2014 data)
Additional findings in attachments
CHOICE: When schools have an option to pay for any program, why have so many
Principals, teachers and parents opted to pay for a Singapore based approach?
See attached references from numerous teachers and math specialists at Schmitz and STEM

I am writing today as an analytics guy, to request that you use statistical evidence in your decision.
FAIRNESS: Consider accurate and unbiased assessments - it doesn't take a rocket scientist
to see the flaws in the published anti-SP argument, it just takes some effort.
UNBIASED RESEARCH: If you conduct web searches for "EnVision vs Math In Focus". It's
incredible and overwhelming just how many teachers with experience of both state they
"HATE" EV and "LOVE" MiF.
REPRESENTATION: Please do not force schools to have "no voice and no choice". From
everything I can glean, the current EV choice was taken without input from teachers or
parents (two of the most critical elements in its success), and is therefore unfair,
unrepresentative and unjust.

I am writing today as a PTA President, to request that the board is open to options that benefit all
in the long term.
LISTEN: Schools such as Schmitz Park, STEM, SANISLO, ALKI to name but a few would like
for all schools to at least have the option of considering a MiF option. They may ultimately
choose something different, yet are you saying they are unwise in their research and
justification? See Gerrit's letter to MCAC.
CONSIDER: Allow some schools to 'experiment' with different programs so that the district
can make a more informed decision next time, based on empirical evidence.
COMPROMISE: Whether a dual, a tiered or even a waiver approach is the outcome, I am
certain there is a compromise that can be achieved.

Please note, I am not attempting to dismiss EnVision and truly believe that it is a great
improvement over EDM. However, I cannot honestly say that I believe it is best for everyone....
and after all the research I've carried out, if I had to chose just one program for the betterment of
all, it would be MiF.

Please, please, please try to figure out a way that puts our children's interest first, allow schools
wishing to choose MiF to adopt it, and give others who aren't so well informed the chance to make
a timely, fair and calculated judgment.

Thank you for your service and your consideration,

Jeff Rayner
Parent, Strategic Analytics Consultant, Schmitz Park PTA President
cell: (503) 720-6816
home: (206) 913-2836

From: Matt Cannard
Subject: Please Vote to Enable Singapore - Math in Focus Curriculum in Seattle Schools
Hi there:
I am writing to ask the School Board to adopt Singapore - Math in Focus. From personal
experience with daughters and a son who have variably struggled at times with math concepts
from 2nd - 8th grade, I have conviction that the intuitive visual math concepts taught within
the Singapore - Math in Focus are preparing them quite appropriately for their higher
education and career pursuits.
This program has enabled my children to develop a mastery of math at a deeper level than I
ever learned. As an adult and life long learner I am continually fascinated by the application
of learning concepts at an early age, and the simplicity with which these concepts are taught
so eloquently through Singapore Math. It has worked on my average children and it works as
an adult with my average mind. It has enabled my seventh grader enter middle school
excelling in advanced math where other students from other schools, in contrast, have
struggled. My second grade son who is perpetually focused on arts and sciences is starting to
make sense of math concepts and has started to inject these into his every conversations, and
my 4th grade daughter is succeeding in solving multi-variable math problems seamlessly. I
attribute this directly to the basic number sense, visual focus, and concrete problem solving
concepts taught through Singapore Math.
Growing up with a family of four tenured public educators, of which one was recently an
AWSP Distinguish Principal, has reinforced many personal biases about public education, but
perhaps the most poignant is a focus on consistency of learning, as children progress through
grades. For the last seven years, our children have been taught using Singapore Math. Why
enforce a change to a program that has no match in quality or consistency to what they have
been taught already? What's more, our stellar educators at Schmitz Park Elementary have
already been trained in Singapore Math. Why force countless hours of wasted dollars re-
educating teachers when they already have a program that works so well?
More evidence why Singapore Math is the right choice:
Singapore has developed 44% of 8th grade students such that they have an advanced
comprehension of math, in contrast to the United States at 7%.
Singapore ranked first in the world in math and third in science...In other words,
Singapores impressive academic results seem to have very little to do with an
advantageous home environment and a great deal to do with an effective school system
structure organized around a solid, rigorous curriculum." -Dr. E.D. Hirsch Jr.
It would be simple for the Board to vote and enable Singapore - Math in Focus as an optional
curriculum. You have in your control to make a smart decision to offer multiple paths to
success. I urge you to give the program another seven years. Let the educators who you
believe in make a choice. Delegate the responsibility to the school leaders you have chosen,
and listen to the teachers, parents, and PTA members who care so much about developing our
children. Please vote for Singapore - Math in Focus as a viable program in our school system.
Yours truly,
Matt Cannard
Schmitz Park Elementary Parent and PTA Member
206-295-1061
From: Andrea Marbet
Subject: Please keep Singapore Math at Schmitz Park Elementary school!
Greetings all,

With all my heart, I urge you to keep Singapore Math at Schmitz Park.
Our daughter, currently in 4th grade, has benefited SO MUCH from this math program.

As we've observed her doing math homework, the teaching style is straightforward and truly
ties one unit to the next. Moreover, we can see how she is easily able to apply the concets
from Sinagpore Math easily and quickly to everday life.

Please please please allow Schmitz Park to retain Singapore Math!

Best regards,
Andrea Marbet
To: Halfaker, J on
Cc: Aramaki, Kelly; Vela, Israel; DeJ arnatt, Dana; Fitzpatrick, Nathan T; Dizon, Daniel S; Tolley, Michael F; Pritchett,
Sarah J
Subject: Re: Important Updates on Math and Staffing - Draft
Good. They need to look at their building decision making matrices. Most of the ones I've
seen state that it's a principal decision with stakeholder input.
Can we send this to everyone from all of us? I'll be in by noon or so.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 4, 2014, at 9:03 AM, "Halfaker, Jon" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Planning to send the following to my region in just a bit. Any thoughts?
I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math
adoption. I wish I could offer a better preview, but right now, all bets are off on
what will finally be decided. It has been encouraging to hear from so many of
you that a singular adoption is your preference, which is what the Executive
Directors are also hoping to see happen. I would encourage all elementary and
K8 principals to prime your BLTs for possible quick and intensive work in the
next ten days, as building based decisions may be part of the Board decisions
tonight. Fun!
As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two
evenings going over every displaced employee's file, categories, and highly
qualified status as we sought to make matches with open positions. This is
extremely difficult for all of us, but is necessary for our system as a whole to
ensure all staff is accounted for and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible.
In some years, it has been mid to late August before the final displaced staff
were placed, holding us up from hiring in many of our open positions. That will
not be the case this year.
We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for.
The great news is that over half of that group made matches at last week's job
fair. While that still left 80 to place this week, it did make the process better. We
want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building was not done in haste,
nor was it done without a discussion regarding each position and building.
Because there are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff
per policy and contract language, as well as many that had no open positions, this
does refine where placements can happen. As a team, we sought to balance
placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some cases, where
a single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one
category or endorsement, we had no choice but to place into that position. Where
multiple candidates existed, we tried to make the best match possible.
If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee
immediately to set a meeting to discuss their transition to your building. If,
during the summer, they choose to apply for and accept a position in another
building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire immediately.
If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha
and Keven, we would suggest you arrive early.
Thanks,
Jon
Jon Halfaker
From: Alice Thavis
Subject: [Possible SPAM] Math selection input
Importance: Low
I am writing to express my extreme frustration with the math curriculum selection process
to date, and to urge you to choose Math in Focus for students in Seattle Public Schools.
During the public review period, my understanding is that families indicated a strong
preference for Math in Focus, yet that is not the curriculum that's being recommended.
Why?!? Why was there a review period, if the input you were seeking was only going to be
disregarded? It feels like a hollow feedback opportunity, in which a box was being checked
pro forma and families were ultimately ignored.
My son is a kindergartener at Schmitz Park Elementary, where more than half of the 5th
graders who are graduating to middle school will be able to SKIP 6th grade math
completely. Why? Because of the school's investment in Singapore Math. I moved to this
school's area in order to give my son excellent opportunities like this, and now Singapore
Math is being threatened by the district's opaque and disturbing decision-making process.
I call on you today to reconsider -- and choose Math in Focus for our students. Singapore
Math schools like Schmitz Park and K-5 STEM at Boren have shown it can and does
work!!! Please work with the families you're serving, not against them.
Alice Thavis
3611 44th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-947-7337
From: Alice Thavis
Subject: Math selection input
I am writing to express my extreme frustration with the math curriculum selection process
to date, and to urge you to choose Math in Focus for students in Seattle Public Schools.
During the public review period, my understanding is that families indicated a strong
preference for Math in Focus, yet that is not the curriculum that's being recommended.
Why?!? Why was there a review period, if the input you were seeking was only going to be
disregarded? It feels like a hollow feedback opportunity, in which a box was being checked
pro forma and families were ultimately ignored.
My son is a kindergartener at Schmitz Park Elementary, where more than half of the 5th
graders who are graduating to middle school will be able to SKIP 6th grade math
completely. Why? Because of the school's investment in Singapore Math. I moved to this
school's area in order to give my son excellent opportunities like this, and now Singapore
Math is being threatened by the district's opaque and disturbing decision-making process.
I call on you today to reconsider -- and choose Math in Focus for our students. Singapore
Math schools like Schmitz Park and K-5 STEM at Boren have shown it can and does
work!!! Please work with the families you're serving, not against them.
Alice Thavis
3611 44th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206-947-7337
From: Dana Varon
To: McLaren, Martha
Cc: Martin, Stephen B; McEvoy, Pegi; Vela, Israel; Tolley, Michael F; Banda, J ose L; Collins, Christy A
Subject: Clarification of the transportation issue: is it all south end WS schools
Thanks so much, Marty, for your prompt attention to this matter. To clarify, there is no
transportation for any south end West Seattle Spectrum students to the north end Spectrum
designated schools: Lafayette and Fairmount Park.
As the south end has Arbor Heights as the designated Spectrum program, south end students
are provided transportation only to Arbor Heights, which is an ALO with no stand-alone
advanced classes. Both Lafayette and now Fairmount Park have complete advanced classes.
There is no comparison between children who "walk to math" and children who learn in an
environment of advanced learning peers with a teacher who is trained in gifted education.
While I understand that ideally all types of gifted learners should be enriched locally in their
own school, this is not currently happening. One of the most common myths is that gifted
children are going to succeed no matter what- but the truth is that if gifted learners aren't
challenged early they fail to develop the study skills and persistence necessary to succeed in
challenging work in the future. They instead learn to consistently underachieve.
Marty raised this as a personal issue but it is serious matter of inequity to all West Seattle
south end advanced learners.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Dana Varon
A
On Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 9:22 PM, McLaren, Martha <mlmclaren@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hello all,
I spoke to this parent, Dana Varon, tonight (her letter is below). She is in one of the tougher
situations that can happen to the parent of a very bright child. Her son, a Spectrum student
at Arbor Heights, was highly successful academically last year. This year, his grades have
plummeted and he has been identified as a behavior problem. Ms. Varon sees him as being
bored and not challenged. She attests that Principal Christy Collins has done everything
possible to support her son, but because there is such a small group of Spectrum students in
his class, he lacks a cohort of peers, and has become disengaged from school.
Her son has been admitted to Spectrum at Fairmount Park for next year, but because they
live in the Arbor Heights neighborhood, and Arbor Heights is technically a provider of
Spectrum learning, he is denied transportation to Fairmount Park; the mother cannot
provide it. She was given 48 hours to accept or reject the Spectrum placement. She tells
me that transportation to Spectrum classes at Lafayette and Fairmount park is available to
most students in West Seattle -- however the few who live in the Arbor Heights zone are
denied it, although it is common knowledge that there are not enough students for a viable
Spectrum class there.
I know that transportation is a complex issue, but this does seem to be a matter of fairness,
so I am forwarding in the hope that there are viable ways transport this student to an
appropriate advanced learning situation.
Thanks,
Marty
________________________________________
From: Dana Varon [varon.dana13@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 4:34 PM
To: McLaren, Martha
Subject: Spectrum at Fairmount Park
Good afternoon, Marty,
I would like to speak with you about what, at least for me, is a somewhat urgent issue but is
an issue of equity for all of West Seattle.
My son is in the Spectrum program at Arbor Heights. I recently began contemplating
moving him to the Fairmount Park because I learned, after open enrollment, that they have
enough students to have stand-alone advanced learning classrooms.
This is a significant improvement over the ALO program offered at Arbor Heights.
I called the transportation office and was told that he qualified for transportation due to his
Spectrum status. Then yesterday I was offered the transfer to FP. I called transportation
again to confirm that he was eligible for transportation and was assured that he was. Thus,
we discussed the issue again with my son- who agreed to make the switch and we sent in
our acceptance.
This morning I received a call from transportation apologizing because they were using an
old program and gave us the wrong information- the transportation zone recently changed
due to budget cuts and my son is not eligible for transportation.
I don't know if I can stress to you how disruptive this is to our family.
I work and have an inflexible schedule (I am a nurse practitioner and see patients on a
scheduled basis). If my son can't take a bus home that leaves him a reasonable walking
distance from the house, I don't know how we can choose Fairmount Park.
My choice was based on the fact that FP is able to offer stand-alone advanced learning
classes vs the ALO model at AH.
I am really upset by this transportation issue. It is a matter of equity. I don't think anyone
can make the argument that Arbor Heights is offering Spectrum students an equitable
program to what Fairmount Park and Lafayette offer. If it did, I would stay there. I love
Arbor Heights and I love being in a community school.
AH has an ALO program, at best- and I strongly believe that all highly capable students
should have transportation to an equitable program.
I chose Fairmount Park because I believe it offers a significantly better program for my son-
and all Spectrum eligible students in the West Seattle cluster should have equal access to
excellent programs.
The south end of West Seattle has had to deal with this inequity as long as I can remember
but to have two excellent programs available to students in the north end of West Seattle
and none in the south end is really unconscionable.
I would love to speak with you about this as soon as possible as I am expected to give FP an
answer in the next 48 hours.
Thank you for your time!
Dana Varon
206-427-8329<tel:206-427-8329>
Thank you!
To: Tolley, Michael F; Heath, Shauna L
Subject: math and Principals
Hey--
We talked yesterday about what we thought Principals may do if there was a dual adoption or if the
adoption went contrary to the math adoption committee's recommendation. Did we have elementary
Principal representation on the committee? I think they would be a good group of people to reach out to
colleagues or talk with Board Members (in a structured way with Michael of course :)). Just a thought
Best,
KW
To: Schweitzer, Melissa
Subject: RE: Math Curriculum Adoption - Message for Whittier Families
Thanks. Should be a fun evening.

Jon Halfaker

To: Halfaker, J on
Subject: Fwd: Math Curriculum Adoption - Message for Whittier Families

Melissa Schweitzer
From: Whittier Elementary School PTA <whittierwildchat@hotmail.com>
To: <mdschweitzer@seattleschools.org>
Subject: Math Curriculum Adoption - Message for Whittier Families
Reply-To: <whittierwildchat@hotmail.com>
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

PTA Leaders and Members,

On May 1, 2014, Seattle Public Schools announced the Math Adoption
Committee's recommendation for the enVision Math Curriculum (see here).

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 4) the Seattle School Board will vote on the
adoption of this new elementary math curriculum to be used in Seattle Public
Schools K-5 programs. As announced May 1st, the initial recommended
motion to the Board by the Curriculum & Instruction Policy Committee is the
single adoptions of the enVision Math Realize 2015 edition (enVision)
curriculum (see recommendation here).

School Board Directors Marti McLaren & Sue Peters have subsequently filed
an amended motion recommending a dual adoption of both the Math in
Focus (MiF) Singapore Math and enVision curriculum (see this amended
recommendation here).

If the dual adoption amendment is approved by the full Board this
Wednesday, principals will have to choose one of the two options not later
than June 20, 2014. Each school may select only ONE curriculum to be
implemented at their school and the adoption will be binding for a 7 year
adoption cycle.

It is also possible that other amendments regarding math curriculum
adoption will be presented tomorrow for a vote, but they have not been
posted to the School Board agenda at this time.
PTAs should be aware of these impending decisions and are encouraged to
talk with their principal or the School Board about questions or concerns.

While the Seattle Council PTSA does not have a specific recommendation
regarding the math adoption proposals up before the Board, we do have
strong concerns regarding two elements of the process.

First, we believe the committees making recommendations around
curriculum should consider empirical results obtained by other districts,
ideally comparable to Seattle in size and diversity. In this specific
evaluation, we further believe that teacher input should have been solicited
and considered, as several schools in Seattle use the curricula under
evaluation.

Second, we continue to be concerned that the District's engagement of
parents and communities in Seattle is severely inadequate and
unrepresentative of our District. With roughly 50,000 students in Seattle
Public Schools, and 27,000 in the K-5 program, comments by fewer than 150
parents does not constitute significant or representative family engagement,
nor should it be portrayed as such. We thank those parents who did provide
input and will continue to call on parents throughout the District to provide
their opinions.

Further, we call on the District, as we have in the past, to develop processes
that successfully engage families and communities in gathering information
and making decisions.

Katherine Schomer
President, Seattle Council PTSA

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To: Fauntleroy, Dedy G
Call me now if you can.
Sent from my iPhone
On J un 5, 2014, at 7:33 PM, "Fauntleroy, Dedy G"
<dgfauntleroy@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Hi J on,
If you have some time tomorrow I would like to talk about the waiver proposal that is
being discussed. I, like the EDs, want to have one curriculum--that is the most important
thing. However, the recent events have put our school in a compromising position.
On the one hand I totally agree that the process of choosing the curriculum was usurped
by the board.
Had they gone with the EnVision recommendation, I anticipated no problems with my staff
and community going with that decision.
On the other hand, now that MIF has been chosen my teachers are very pleased-- this
was the curriculum that was MUCH easier for immersion teachers to work with, especially
in J apanese.
So, if I sign the waiver, I feel as if I am actively advocating for a particular curriculum
rather than advocating for honoring a process and for having one adoption.
Perhaps this particular issue has just become so complicated that no matter what one
does, it will be construed as advocating or denouncing a variety of positions--which may
or may not have been intended. Above all, I want to do what I can to support the single
adoption. I am not sure what action would be most helpful to do that and maintain trust
in my community but I would like to discuss this when you get a chance.
Thanks for listening, J on. I appreciate it.
Dedy
RCW 42.56.250(3)
To: Loveness, Marilyn
Can you call me now?
Sent from my iPhone
> On J un 5, 2014, at 9:24 AM, "Loveness, Marilyn" <mjloveness@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>
> Are they available anywhere now?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Halfaker, J on
> Sent: Wednesday, J une 04, 2014 11:06 PM
> To: Loveness, Marilyn
> Subject: Re: Math and Displaced Staff Update
>
> Doubt it. The agenda is set and curriculum staff are now scrambling to switch to the new adoption in
time to order next week. I'll ask but I doubt it will happen.
>
>
>
>> On J un 4, 2014, at 10:19 PM, "Loveness, Marilyn" <mjloveness@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>
>> Can we have a presentation of the two choices at the meeting on Tuesday?
>> Marilyn
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On J un 4, 2014, at 8:22 PM, "Halfaker, J on" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Elementary and K8 principals:
>>> Please let me know today if you believe your building will want to submit a waiver for the use of
enVision Math rather than the adopted curriculum Math In Focus. I don't need a long reply, just a basic
thought on what you believe your team will want. I will update you on next steps as soon as we get
further details.
>>>
>>> I will say, my strong desire is that we are fully aligned as a region, and as a district. Those of you
who responded to my email survey earlier this week said the same thing. To that end, if the Board has
adopted this curriculum, we need to plan to implement it with as strong a fidelity as possible.
>>>
>>> Heading home from the Board and back into schools tomorrow. Have a good night, and again,
congrats to Keven and Kiesha.
>>>
>>> J on
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>
>>> J on Halfaker
>>> Executive Director of Schools/NW Region Seattle Public Schools
>>>
>>>> On J un 4, 2014, at 11:20 AM, "Halfaker, J on" <johalfaker@seattleschools.org> wrote:
RCW 42.56.250(3)
>>>>
>>>> I know all of you are excited to attend tonight's Board vote on the new math adoption. I wish I
could offer a better preview, but right now, all bets are off on what will finally be decided. It has been
encouraging to hear from so many of you that a singular adoption is your preference, which is what the
Executive Directors are also hoping to see happen. I would encourage all elementary and K8 principals
to review your decision making matrix and prime your BLTs for possible quick and intensive work in the
next ten days, as building based decisions may be part of the Board decisions tonight. Fun!
>>>>
>>>> As most of you know, the Executive Directors and HR staff spent the last two evenings going
over every displaced employee's file, categories, and highly qualified status as we sought to make
matches with open positions. This is extremely difficult for all of us, but is necessary for our system as a
whole to ensure all staff is accounted for and to get to Phase III hiring as early as possible. In some
years, it has been mid to late August before the final displaced staff were placed, holding us up from
hiring in many of our open positions. That will not be the case this year.
>>>>
>>>> We entered the displaced process with just under 150 staff to find matches for. The great news
is that over half of that group made matches at last week's job fair. While that still left 80 to place this
week, it did make the process better. We want everyone to know that placing a teacher in a building
was not done in haste, nor was it done without a discussion regarding each position and building.
Because there are many buildings that are restricted from taking displaced staff per policy and contract
language, as well as many that had no open positions, this does refine where placements can happen.
As a team, we sought to balance placement in all regions of the district and within schools. In some
cases, where a single position existed that matched an employee who also only had one category or
endorsement, we had no choice but to place into that position. Where multiple candidates existed, we
>>>>
>>>> If you receive notice of a placement this week, please reach out to that employee immediately to
set a meeting to discuss their transition to your building. If, during the summer, they choose to apply
for and accept a position in another building or district, or to resign from SPS, you will be able to hire
immediately.
>>>>
>>>> Finally, the Executive Director of Schools and HR are now starting a process to track on
displaced staff, buildings that historically displace more than a "normal" level, buildings that evaluate
staff out of SPS, and buildings that have taken higher numbers of displaced staff. We are also working
to build a mandatory flag that pops when an employee resigns from SPS and "magically" reappears a
few years later that will include contact with the previous principal or admin team so we avoid repute
concerns.
>>>>
>>>> If you are planning to attend tonights meeting, especially as we celebrate Keisha and Keven, we
would suggest you arrive early.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> J on
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> J on Halfaker
>>>> Executive Director - NW Region
>>>> Seattle Public Schools
>>>>
>>>>
Subject: Re: Portables at McDonald International for 2014-15
So the art class comment does make some sense, though you would better know on that one. The rest is just throwing stuff at the wall
until something sticks. Did you consider art moving out there?
Any thoughts on math. I would really like us all to be on the same page, but I know you have been using the other curriculum and
seeing it work. My concern is further disruption by parents who feel the Board got this right and we should all be following their lead.
Let me know,
J on
Sent from my iPad
J on Halfaker
On J un 5, 2014, at 6:17 AM, "Golosman, Daniel P" <dpgolosman@seattleschools.org> wrote:
Haven't heard a single reply to any of my emails about this until today. See below.
Dan
Sent from my iPhone
From: <tjhemmen_81@comcast.net>
Date: J une 4, 2014 at 11:22:41 PM PDT
To: Daniel P Golosman <dpgolosman@seattleschools.org>
Cc: Katherine Berg <kfberg@seattleschools.org>, J ane Petrich <jpetrich@seattleschools.org>,
Dear Mr. Golosman,

We appreciate your conciliatory remarks on the subject of the new portable. However, the gist of your message
seemed to be that come what may, the 5
th
grade class is still destined for the portable so we can only assume
you did not adequately digest what many of the parents in the email conversation so eloquently expressed .

First of all, our class, whenever there is a schoolwide decision to be made, always seems the one chosen to
receive the short straw. Be it upper-class-only recess reductions, receiving a math party instead of an actual
holiday party like the rest of the school at Halloween, or, in this case, being nominated for banishment out to a
portable away from the rest of the school when there are issues to deal with, it seems to be the default position of
the school administration to disenfranchise our class. Coupled with the fact that our class is already distanced from
the rest of the school by not being included in the Immersion Program, this ongoing treatment creates the
regrettable impression of bias and elitism.

Secondly, as you are no doubt aware, our class has the highest percentage of children with IEPs at McDonald.
With Ms. Berg not signed on to be the 5
th
grade teacher next year, we are increasingly alarmed at the thought of
members of this class, with its high IEP level, trotting back and forth between the portable and the main building in
ones and twos, multiple times per day (bathroom access!) instead of an entire classroom of students,
accompanied by a teacher, moving as a group. It is also worth noting that there have been quite a few attempted
child abductions in our region during the last year, ranging from Everett to Olympia a fact that renders this model
not only wrong-headed, but positively irresponsible, given the IEP level of the class. If you are truly interested in the
childrens safety, you have probably already figured this out. Otherwise, consider this food for thought.

Additionally, the proposal to put the 5
th
grade class in the portable does not even make sense from an
administrative standpoint. Simply put, if the school is not looking to repeat this exercise over and over with each
FERPA
class level, every year it would make the most sense in the long term to put Art Class in the portable, to eliminate
the recurring need for this difficult decision. After all, once our class moves through the system, the administration
will have to nominate a new class that is actually part of the Immersion Program to alienate instead hows that
going to work?

Speaking finally from the perspective of our own family unit, our sons personal IEP already reflects safety concerns
for exactly the sort of situation created by putting his class out full-time in a portable specifically those related to
children intermittently trafficking back and forth between the portable and the main school building. This is almost
the exact same setup that we experienced at Bryant, where it resulted in Richard being mishandled in a particularly
unsavory peer incident. Obviously, we would be extremely dissatisfied were the portable to be his classroom.

So please, do not dismiss all the parents concerns with just a few fair words, and little serious contemplation of
what those concerns entail or the alternatives. We all have a big stake in this, even McDonald School
administration. As unpopular as this idea may be, if there is truly nothing you can do about this, we may be forced
to call an immediate amendment IEP meeting to address the safety concerns surrounding an exterior classroom
environment.

Regards,

Tom and Jeanie Hemmen
From: "Daniel P Golosman" <dpgolosman@seattleschools.org>
To:
Cc: "Katherine Berg" <kfberg@seattleschools.org>, "Jane Petrich" <jpetrich@seattleschools.org>
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2014 12:08:31 PM
Hi everyone,
I hope you are all doing well. I was able to check in with a couple of you last night at the concert (our students
worked so hard I am very proud of them!).
I wanted to reach out and let you know that I have been hearing some great ideas on how to make the portables
more appealing and I welcome hearing more ideas. I know that schools have dome some creative things like place
gardens nearby, or flower boxes, or other things that one can't do with a classroom in a building. There are also
ways we can make this building add to our conservation efforts and might provide opportunities for authentic
application of math and science skills (water collection and solar panels, for example). I am also looking into how
much control we have over what type of interior paint is used (for example, can we lobby for "no VOC" paint) or
other interior furnishings that may be healthier than what is normally provided.
Also, I wanted to make sure that you saw the specifications I have been given for our portables. I sent this out in
this week's principal newsletter, and have pasted it below to make sure you have this information.
Please feel free to contact me about ideas or concerns. I have only heard form a couple of you, and I want to make
sure I am hearing all voices.
Thanks, and have a great weekend.
Dan
More information about portables:
In last weeks newsletter, I said I would provide more information about our two portables. These will be placed
next to our existing portables on the West parking lot. See below for a link to the manufacturer and specifications
for our portables. Please note that we are getting two single portables. The company that Seattle Public Schools
FERPA
has contracted with for these portables is M Space Holdings, LLC.
http://www.mspaceholdings.com/
Below is a link I received from one of our staff at the central office. It contains some technical language and
drawings, and gives you an idea of the structures that will be built.
http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/13-
14%20agendas/040214agenda/20140402_Portables_Specs.pdf
From: <Golosman>, Daniel Golosman
<dpgolosman@seattleschools.org<mailto:dpgolosman@seattleschools.org>>
Date: Monday, May 19, 2014 1:45 PM
To:
Cc: "Berg, Katherine" <kfberg@seattleschools.org<mailto:kfberg@seattleschools.org>>, "Petrich, Jane"
<jpetrich@seattleschools.org<mailto:jpetrich@seattleschools.org>>
Subject: Portables at McDonald International for 2014-15
Dear 4th Grade McDonald International Families,
I wanted to follow up on the announcement about portables in last weeks principal newsletter.
I know that this is a big change for McDonald International School. I can only imagine this must be frustrating since
we have a beautiful, recently refurbished building, and weve only been open a short time.
We had hoped to avoid using portables at all, but given that the district placed four Kindergartens in our school this
year and they plan to place three Kindergarten classrooms in our school for next year, there is no other choice than
to begin using portables. If youve heard me speak at parent coffees or PTA meetings, you know this is something
I have been working with district leaders on since last school year. When it looked likely (due to enrollment
FERPA
numbers in the district) that we would have portables earlier this year, I advocated for students and staff to get the
classrooms placed on the West parking lot instead of our playground and requested that these be fully plumbed
(toilet and sink). I did not manage to get these buildings plumbed, but I did get the portable location changed to the
West parking lot.
After the district informed us a few weeks ago that we would have three Kindergartens (confirming we have to begin
using the portables in 2014-15), I worked with members of the Building Leadership Team (BLT) to make the
decision of which teacher and class would be the first of many groups of staff and students to use these portables.
It is common practice at schools with portables to have the oldest students in these classrooms. Having our most
responsible students being the ones to cross the courtyard to go in and out of the main school building makes the
most sense, and sending students to use the bathrooms in the building feels safer when these are our older
students.
Some of you have suggested putting the art classroom in the portable, but having all of our students (especially our
Kindergarten students) travelling to and from the building and to the bathrooms is not the safest plan for our
students. We already have to do this for PE class, and to have to do this for art would more than double the time
that students would be travelling to and from the building. Another suggestion I have heard is physically splitting
one of our classrooms that is slightly larger than the others and putting two classes of students in one classroom.
Unfortunately, none of our classrooms are large enough for this. I asked about this last year when we first started
discussing portables, and the largest classrooms lack the square footage to do this. The best option is still to put
our oldest students in the portables.
I apologize that the first you heard of the plan to put next years 5th graders in the portable was through my
principal newsletter. This must have felt like a surprise. It would have been much better for me to email or call you
to explain the logic behind this decision and give you more time to process this. I am happy to meet with you as a
group to help answer questions, but as members of the BLT and I have analyzed this very thoroughly, this still feels
like the best solution.
Having taught in a portable myself, and having spoken with students and teachers who have used portables, I can
say that there are many aspects of these buildings that students and staff appreciate. Having more autonomy
suits older students (especially 5th graders preparing for middle school), and the buildings often provide more
flexibility for set up of classroom space and display of student work and teaching resources. I know that I was able
to post much more student work in my portable than I was in my classroom in a school building.
I have been informed that these are new (or recently built) portables that will be installed at our school, and I have
requested detailed specifications to share with you. My expectation is that Seattle Public Schools will provide the
safest, healthiest portable classrooms that the district can afford. If there is still any opportunity to get something
that the community feels is better, and the district can afford it and if a change in contract is possible, I would
support considering other models or manufacturers of portables. Regardless, I will tell you more as soon as I
receive more information about the units that SPS is planning to install.
I know this is a big change for McDonald International, and I encourage our school community, and especially our
5th grade families for next year, to see this as an opportunity to help grow student independence as we prepare
students for middle school.
Please dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Dan
Daniel Golosman
Principal
McDonald International School
mcdonaldes.seattleschools.org
206.252.2900

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