• Cultural Calendar
May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for MMIW

May 5th is Missing & Murdered Indigenous Woman’s Day (MMIW), a day to remember and raise awareness to the epidemic that is violence against Indigenous women and girls. Some now also refer to it as MMIP for “Persons”, as data is showing men, Two Spirit, LGBTIQA+ Native people are also missing and murdered at an alarming rate.

Stand in solidarity with native communities and raise awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women, and we hope you'll share this post to spread more awareness for this issue and the fact that Native American women are up to 10 times more likely to be murdered or sexually assaulted. Many today will also be wearing red shirts or ribbons to commemorate the day, as well.

Following are some facts, web links, videos, and more:

  • Four in five American Indian/Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime – 56% of them experienced sexual violence.
     
  • The murder, rape, and violent crime rates for AI/AN people is higher than the national averages.
  • The murder rate for AI/AN women living on a reservation is 10 times higher than the national average and is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native women.
  • There are approximately 4,200 missing and murdered cases that gone unsolved.
  • Tacoma has the second highest rate of MMIW in the United States. Seattle is in the Top 10.
  • Students in some of our high schools will be wearing red that day or shirts with MMIW-inspired artwork

 

Websites:

Urban Indian Health Institute
https://www.uihi.org/

Native Hope
https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw

Washington State Patrol current list of missing MMIP (updated every two weeks):
https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Missing-List-for-Public-Release-050123.pdf

Videos:

Rosalie Fish discusses her connection to MMIW and how they inspire her when running competitively:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE82XzsKOlw

National Institute of Justice video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESADNNHM4II&t=63s
 

Archive

Puget Sound Educational Service District Selected for Grant Program to Help Local Students Pursue Education and Career Training After High School

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is proud to announce that our region has been selected to be part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Horizons Regional Grant Program, a three-year initiative to help more local students continue their education after high school and achieve their goals.

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Amidst the ongoing violence and bloodshed of the Israel-Gaza conflict, we cannot ignore the countless lives lost and devasting impact, particularly to the young people ensnared in this turmoil. As a community committed to fostering peace and championing for the welfare of all, we stand together in unequivocal condemnation of violence and in our unwavering support for humanity. 

Read More about Our Stance and Promises Regarding the Israel-Gaza Conflict: Advocating for Peace and Humanity
Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Observed each year on March 21 – the tragic day in 1960 when the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on participants in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws," killing 69 people, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination remains an important one in the calendar’s attempt to fight racism and racial discrimination.

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Honoring our Education Support Professionals—This Week, and Every Week!

In education, the thousands who serve among the support professionals are an integral part of the industry and its importance.

That’s why it’s so important to celebrate their contributions each year for Education Support Professionals week, which takes place this year from March 11-15, 2024. The week was first noted for celebration in 1975 by PSE in order to salute the irreplaceable contributions of Education Support Professionals (or ESPs, for short) in the public school system.

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PSESD Presents: AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN THE AGE OF AI, with Dr. John Spencer

The AI revolution is here: How will you respond? And what AI tools can be utilized for personalized learning? Don’t miss this essential two-part event ("Authentic Learning in the Age of AI") for K-12 Educators, Leaders, and Administrators in ALL content areas, taking place on Saturday, March 30, and Saturday, May 4, 2024!

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Last Chance to Submit 2024-25 Teacher/Educator of the Year Nominations!

This week is the last chance to submit nominations for Teacher of the YearClassified School Employee of the Year, and Principal/Assistant Principal of the Year! Nominate your candidates online using the Educator of the Year Nomination Form. Applications are for all categories are open until Friday, March 1, 2024 at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7127358/2023-EoY-Nominations.

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Frederick Douglass's Birthday

Frederick Douglass was a towering individual, an escaped slave who became an impassioned activist, abolitionist, and icon. However, it is an ironic fact that the brilliant Frederick Douglass would surely appreciate that while we now honor his birth date each February 14, Douglass himself was, until late in his life, not entirely sure of the date of his birth.

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Image of Dior Davenport at our PSESD agency all staff celebration

Free Workshop for PK-12 Washington Educators
Join us for an engaging professional learning opportunity for PK–12 educators, principals, and school leaders. Focusing on computational thinking concepts and coding skills, this symposium will highlight Sphero's commitment to supporting district implementation of vertically aligned curriculum and activities that align to Washington's Computer Science standards.

Sphero Symposium (in partnership of Sphero and Puget Sound Educational Service District 121)
Date: Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Puget Sound Educational Service District
| 800 Oakesdale Ave SW, Renton WA 98057
 

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Solution Providers Spring Expo

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) and Washington Learning Source (WLS) are thrilled to invite you to participate as an exhibitor at our upcoming Solution Providers Spring Expo! This event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your company products and/or services to a diverse audience. You will have the chance to engage and build relationships with educators and potential clients.

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Solution Providers Spring Expo

Join us at Puget Sound ESD 121’s Solution Providers Spring Expo, where you can discover the latest trends and innovations for FREE! This expo is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded education professionals and knowledgeable specialists while exploring a variety of dynamic products and services.

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Local Puget Sound-Area Events for Martin Luther King Day Weekend 2024

Monday, January 15, 2024 is Martin Luther King Day — an important holiday honoring the celebrated human rights leader’s birthday. If you are seeking to celebrate King and his dream this year, there are a number of terrific arts, culture, and history events taking place across Puget Sound that are both powerful, inspirational, and family-friendly.

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