Rainy Day Recess

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Rainy Day Recess episodes

December 07, 2024Rainy Day Rundown: Cancelled Closures, Denied Recalls, and Performance Audits
Rainy Day Rundown is your weekly update on the latest happenings in education and the community. From important meetings and policy decisions to ongoing conversations and local initiatives, we keep you in the loop and ready to engage.
In this episode:
Special School Board Special Meeting (November 26, 2024)
Hearing for the Petition to Recall Board President Liza Rankin (December 2, 2024)
School Board Audit Committee Meeting (December 3, 2024)
Special Education Audit Report to JLARC, a joint committee of the Washington State Legislature
Community Notes
See our Show Notes.
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
41 min
November 26, 2024 The Bomb Cyclone - November 19 School Board Meeting
In this inaugural episode of Rainy Day Recess, Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido delve into the high-stakes Seattle School Board meeting of November 19. The meeting saw a cascade of emotions, pivotal decisions, and a dramatic shift in the district's school closure plans. With uncertainty lingering, the stakes remain high for students, families, and district leadership.

See our Show Notes.
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
59 min
November 24, 2024 Introducing Rainy Day Recess
In this introductory trailer for Rainy Day Recess, hosts Christie Robertson and Jasmine Pulido introduce their new podcast, which focuses on making Seattle Public Schools' decisions and policies accessible and understandable to the community. As former hosts of Seattle Hall Pass, they reflect on their journey and bid farewell to their co-host Jane Tunks Demel.
They outline their mission to empower listeners with weekly updates, event highlights, expert interviews, and stories from students, parents, and community members. With a focus on collaboration and understanding, the hosts aim to help listeners navigate Seattle's school district "one rainy day at a time." Stay tuned for their new website, logo, and upcoming episodes!

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Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
2 min
November 20, 2024 Seattle Hall Pass Bids Farewell
See our press release.
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Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
3 min
November 13, 2024 S2 E14 - Data Night with Dr. Hart (plus, Planning for the new Strategic Plan)
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, hosts Christie, Jane, and Jasmine dive into the data-rich presentation on Seattle Public Schools' student outcomes, delivered by Dr. Ray Hart, Executive Director of the Council of Great City Schools, at the October 23rd special school board meeting. They break down the findings on student performance trends, equity gaps, and economic factors affecting achievement. The hosts also explore the subsequent board discussion, where school directors reviewed draft goals proposed by district staff for the upcoming strategic plan.

See our Show Notes
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Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
42 min
November 10, 2024 S2 E13 - School Board Director Gina Topp
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, school board director Gina Topp discusses the school closure plans with co-hosts Christie and Jane. The three also discuss Seattle Public Schools’ $94 million budget gap, the upcoming legislative session, community engagement, and student outcomes-focused governance.

See our Show Notes
Contact us
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
34 min
November 05, 2024 S2 E12 - 4 Schools
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we dive into Seattle Public Schools' proposal to close and consolidate four elementary schools: North Beach, Sacajawea, Stevens, and Sanislo. Christie, Jane, and Jasmine explore critical questions surrounding the district’s decision-making process, including the criteria used for selecting these schools, the potential impacts on special education services, and how transitions might affect students and staff. We discuss community concerns, staffing changes, and the broader implications for the SPS landscape.

See our Show Notes.
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Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
44 min
November 02, 2024 S2 E11 - Can SPS go bankrupt? with Stephen Nielsen
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we sit down with former Seattle Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Stephen Nielsen to understand the implications of “binding conditions” and potential state oversight for Seattle Public Schools if it can’t close its budget gap. Nielsen shares his insights on what financial oversight might look like, the difficult cuts that could follow, and the complex history of Washington's education funding.

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Contact us: Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to [email protected].
Disclaimer: Seattle Hall Pass features a variety of voices. Each person’s opinions are their own.
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
37 min
October 21, 2024S2 E10 - Community Voices on Student Safety
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, we discuss school and student safety in Seattle Public Schools, featuring interviews with students, staff, and parents. We explore concerns about balancing physical safety measures with the need for mental health support, sharing perspectives on a $20 million initially promised from the city for mental health. Voices from the community highlight the role of telehealth, community organizations like Community Passageways, and the controversial possibility of the return of School Resource Officers (SROs). Interviewees offer suggestions for improving safety, including wellness rooms and better communication between students and administrators.

Community voices featured in this episode include:
Rafi Brewer, a sophomore at Garfield High School
Fatra Hussein, a junior at Franklin High School
Isaiah Parker, a student at Ingraham High School
Kaz Hill, a student at Ingraham High School
Shraddha Shrudde, a math teacher at Cleveland High School
Lexi Awdziejczyk, a counselor at Franklin High School
Alicia Spanswick, co-president of the PTSA at Garfield High School
Kathleen Zagers, president of the parent organization at Ingraham High School
See our Show Notes
Contact us: Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to [email protected].
Disclaimer: Seattle Hall Pass features a variety of voices. Each person’s opinions are their own.
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
44 min
October 17, 2024 S2 E9 - Option C - with School Board Director Joe Mizrahi
In this episode of Seattle Hall Pass, School Board Director Joe Mizrahi shares his perspective on Seattle Public Schools' plans for addressing declining enrollment and budget deficits. Director Mizrahi emphasizes the importance of minimizing impacts on students and families, focusing on a more thoughtful and community-centered approach to school closures. He touches as well on the role of state funding and community advocacy in shaping the future of Seattle's schools. We also discuss his thoughts on school board operations and dynamics.

See our Show Notes
Contact Us
Support the show
Contact us at [email protected].
Rainy Day Recess music by Lester Mayo, logo by Cheryl Jenrow.
35 min