Already in its fourth year, SSIA has kept true to its vision to create a community of schools, united, and forging the future of strong public education, pre-K to college.  We have experienced many successes as an organization thanks to the steadfast leadership of Lisa Moore, a fabulous board of directors and of course the dedicated and committed principals of the seven schools.  I truly believe that each of our school communities have so much to offer our students and are excellent examples of success.
 
I also have the distinct honor to introduce two of our newest community board members, John Warner and Phil Crocker.  Each has a very impressive and extensive background and a proven commitment to the public schools.  John Warner, a retired Boeing executive, serves on numerous educational boards including the Alliance for Education and Islandwood, and also co-chaired the Superintendents Community Advisory Committee on Investing for Educational Excellence. Phil Crocker, currently a member of the Rogers and Norman Commercial counsel, has over 14 years experience in education. Prior to joining Rogers and Norman, he was National Director for K-12 Education and a managing partner in MGT of America, a national consulting firm.

But perhaps more importantly than their individual accolades, John is currently a Blaine K-8 grandparent and Phil a Lawton parent.  Need I say more?  We are very excited to have them join us this year and to share their experiences and insights so that we can continue to expand our vision for SSIA.

Here's to another successful year of schools in action!

Math Tutors
In order to become well-informed adults today's students require solid understanding and sophisticated instruction in mathematics beyond what was needed in the past.  While our professionals work to decide what curricula are best and our legislators hash-out how much education they will fund it's up to us at Successful Schools in Action to try and bridge the gap.

Our biggest Tutor Program goal for this school year is to fund paid math tutors in five of our partner schools.  We already know that tutors make a difference.  And with a successful community volunteer program entering its third year, SSIA has proven its ability to effectively implement and administer a tutor program.  This move to funding paid tutors is the logical next step in our development.  And in order to accomplish this goal we are seeking Funding Partners.

Five hundred dollars will provide approximately 40 hours of one-on-one tutoring.  That translates to 8 students receiving 10, half-hour tutoring sessions.  You do the math.  Between 5 schools there are scores of students who could benefit from this attention all year long.  We have our work cut out for us, but you can help.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Queen Anne real estate office of Gerrard, Beattie & Knapp, Bay Bank, The Mannix Canby Foundation, and Bank of America for their funding support.  Please consider joining these contributors by becoming a Math Tutor Program Funding Partner! To find out how contact SSIA's Executive Director, Lisa Moore, lisamoore@schoolsinaction.org. 

I'd like to also take this opportunity to welcome our new community volunteer tutors and thank those who have chosen to return to tutoring this fall!  The sustained relationships these volunteers are creating with their schools are a perfect example of the SSIA vision: Schools and community united!

To learn more about our Community Volunteer Tutor Program please feel free to contact me: flominehan@schoolsinaction.org.

Work Study
SSIA's Work Study Program is starting up to help students gain real world work experiences. The Work Study Program offers an opportunity for 8th to 12th grade students from Queen Anne schools to experience a real job and to learn about work skills and organizations. 

Students from McClure Middle School and the Seconday Bilingual Orientation Center (SBOC) are participating in this first series of "internships."  The experience is meant to benefit the students in developing their work skill sets, in further understanding job requirements and in preparation for their entry into the work world; it is not paid work.  Students are selected to participate or may apply but must have teacher recommendation. 

As part of the program includes a learning portion, students complete a daily journal and must complete a final paper and project about the work experience.

The work study program provides organizations with an opportunity to invest in, and support, the community and local schools in a very tangible manner, while receiving some benefit at the same time.If you are with an organization located on Queen Anne and would be interested in hosting a student, please contact SSIA Work Study Program Manager, Mary Douglas, 206-281-7677, marydouglas@schoolsinaction.org. 

Thanks to all our current community hosting partners for your wonderful support!