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Meeker Middle School Hosts the U.S. Department of Education

On March 3, 2020, representatives from the U.S. Department of Education were invited by OSPI to tour an Expanded Learning Afterschool Program at Meeker Middle School in the Kent School District. “Any time OSPI asks to visit it is an honor,” said Director of Expanded Learning Liz Chick, “and hosting representatives from the U.S. Department of Education was the highest honor.”

The visit began with a moment of table talk to allow community based partners, Meeker’s Principal, Shannon Glover, and PSESD to respond to questions from the visitors. Following the discussion, two students from Meeker Middle School provided a tour of some of the different enrichment activities that were taking place at the time. One of the stops of the tour was at the cooking club, led by a program partner from the Kent Parks and Recreation Department. Students presented home-made chicken soup and gushed about how much they loved the program and appreciated gaining culinary skills. As the tour continued, visitors were invited to showcase their moves at the dancing club. In partnership with the program After-School All-Stars, it was clear that the positive bond formed between the program lead and students created a safe space where teamwork and creativity could flourish. As the tour came to a close, visitors asked the guides what they enjoyed about their experiences in the afterschool program. After some thought, students revealed that they enjoyed the opportunity to try new things out and appreciated the support provided by teachers and other leaders to spend time assisting them on their academics.

Jon Paul Bulala, Expanded Learning Site Coordinator, worked with partners and students in preparing for this amazing tour. In support of the Expanded Learning program, Program Specialist Celeste Wojdyla, Grant Accountant Mark Turley and Educational Equity & Evaluation Consultant Mona Mazraani from Puget Sound ESD both attended the visit at Meeker Middle School as well. Chick cited their investment to make sure that the budget is transparent, data is collected accurately and that student needs are being met as one of the main reasons why PSESD has such a great reputation. Thanks to all visitors, partners, staff and students who make Meeker Middle School’s Expanded Learning Afterschool program such a success!

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. 

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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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