Fall Debate Tournament
"My child loved debate and is already
asking to participate in the Spring session! A great confidence builder
and wonderful educational opportunity." parent of 4th grade debater
"Debate is cool." 5th grade student
 "The
U.S. Federal Government should require that most cars be hybrid or run
on biodiesel." This was the hotly debated resolution at SSIA's fourth
elementary school debate tournament, held in December at John Hay
Elementary. Close to 50 students from four schools - Blaine, Lawton,
Coe and John Hay - teamed up in pairs and presented both affirmative
and negative arguments. The tournament was the culmination of weeks of
preparation where students learned about the different parts of debate,
gathered evidence, and practiced their critical thinking and public
speaking skills. With thoughtful judging from a great group of
volunteers and administrative and scoring help from the Seattle Debate
Foundation, each team debated two rounds and then excitedly awaited the
results. Recognition was given to the top 15 individual speakers and
top 10 teams, but every student who participated deserves to be
recognized for their hard work, clear articulation, and courage in
public speaking. Our appreciation also to our amazing coaches: Josh
Anderson, Amanda Cumbow, and Betsy Berger. SSIA added a Debate Club at McClure Middle School this fall as
well. The group included several former elementary debate students now
in Middle School. Several teams from McClure competed in the all-city
Middle School Debate competition, and we're thrilled to report that a
team from McClure finished in 3rd place in this competition.
Congratulations to all! |
Work Experience Program Underway
"We've
been really happy with the work experience program. It's a great
experience for the students!" parent of 8th grade student
What
do Blue Highway Games, Hilltop Yarn, Queen Anne Books, Queen Anne Manor and Video Isle have in common besides their location on Queen Anne?
Each is a host organization to students through SSIA's Work Experience
Program. Eighth graders from McClure and ninth through twelfth graders
from the Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center (SBOC), are exploring
the world of work through this SSIA-sponsored after school program.
With funding from a Department of Neighborhoods matching grant, so far
about one dozen students are in various stages of participation with
work under way to have additional students join the program. Students
are learning about how businesses run and helping with day-to-day
tasks. Queen Anne Manor has offered to pay for, and to provide
qualified students with, food licensing training and permitting.  The
Work Experience Program, originally referred to as the Work Study
Program, is set up as a mini-"internship." The experience is meant to
benefit students in furthering their understanding of jobs, of work
options and in preparation for entry into the work world. Students
complete different projects throughout this experience, helping them
understand the real life application of classroom learning. Students
may apply but must have a homeroom teacher recommendation.  If you are with an organization located on Queen Anne and would be
interested in hosting a student, please contact SSIA Work Experience
Program Manager, Mary Douglas, 206-281-7677,
marydouglas@schoolsinaction.org. The work experience program provides
organizations with an opportunity to invest in, and support, the
community and local schools in a very tangible manner. Work Experience Program - Helping Students Build Experiences for Their Future!
|