High-quality childcare and early learning experiences are essential for children and their families. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, finding care has been very difficult for many and the Legislature intends to address this issue through the Fair Start Act (HB 1213/SB 5237 which are companion bills).  The Fair Start Act, sponsored by both Rep. Tana Senn and Sen. Claire Wilson, establishes a new fund that would expand access to affordable childcare by increasing eligibility and decreasing copayments in the Working Connections Child Care Program and in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

Here in Olympia, there seems to be a constant stream of bills that will eventually have hearings dropping each day. There are also budget discussions taking place for how and when districts will receive the second round of federal dollars for K–12 education along with how the state funding will continue to support schools. And, we are hearing from President Biden there might be a third round of funding from the federal government. The short version, I believe, is that funding will be stable for next school year. How that all gets sorted out, however, remains to be seen. An important concern we’ve shared with legislators is making sure the dollars driven to specific programs that are dependent upon enrollment numbers like levy equalization (LEA), learning assistance (LAP), skills centers, institutional education, special education, hi-cap, and more, stay steady as well.

Weekly special education and Section 504 resources from Abby Bowers, Capital Region ESD 113's Director of Special Programs.

Even though the Democrat leadership has asked members to limit the number of bills they introduce, clearly, they and their Republican counterparts didn’t listen. Even so, the reality, however, given that the session is an entirely virtual one, is that just a fraction of these bills will make it through the process compared to previous sessions.

On Wednesday, January 20th, we witnessed the inauguration of a new president. Speeches, pageantry, fireworks, oaths, and traditions were on display as the symbolic exercise of welcoming a new president was on full display.   Of the noteworthy dignitaries and celebrities that were a part of the inauguration, maybe the most discussed was 22-year old Amanda Gorman. Amanda was the inauguration poet and read her poem, 'The Hill We Climb.' She was the youngest inauguration poet in our nation's poet. With poise, grace, power, and emotion, she captivated the country and the world as she invited us in to think, reflect, and look forward to what is possible.

A very unusual session started this week, beginning with more somber opening day House and Senate sessions in which both houses voted on remote rules. Members who traveled to Olympia for the first day had to navigate terrible rain and tightened security measures to enter the Capitol. Committee hearings began on Tuesday and continued all week

As the vaccines continue to make their presence felt to all, we still live in a COVID–19 world. The pandemic may well be on its way out, but until that time, the Washington State Legislature is operating in a “Zoom” world. This not only impacts how AWSP operates but also affects employers and present and future school retirees.

Weekly special education and Section 504 resources from Abby Bowers, Capital Region ESD 113's Director of Special Programs.

As a superintendent, and former assistant principal and principal, I admire and respect our AWSP principals and assistant principals. Why? Principals and assistant principals are committed to the students they serve! Principals and assistant principals are advocates for their staff members! Principals and assistant principals are tireless workers committed to making things better for their school community! These are just a few of the many reasons why our principals and assistant principals are so admired and respected.

The 2021 legislative session kicks off on Monday, January 11th and both the House and the Senate will convene for opening day and swearing-in ceremonies.

Weekly special education and Section 504 resources from Abby Bowers, Capital Region ESD 113's Director of Special Programs.

Where do we even begin? How do I have these conversations with my staff and students? These questions come to mind, anytime there is turbulence in our greater world, especially when societal issues make their way into our schools.

Weekly special education and Section 504 resources from Abby Bowers, Capital Region ESD 113's Director of Special Programs.

This past year is one that provided me a variety of opportunities to learn, grow and become a better person and principal. As we turn the page on 2020 I want to encourage you to reflect on the positive memories of the year. It is important to honor the incredible work you have done to support your staff, students, and families you serve through this unforgettable school year. Even when exhausted you continue to inspire and motivate your staff. If no one has told you lately I want you to know you are doing a phenomenal job. I hope you find this month's newsletter full of simple ideas to help bring laughter and joy to your work. Feel free to reach out to me if I can do anything to support your work or be a sounding board as you maneuver through these unchartered waters. Cheers to 2021 and this fantastic world of principaling.

For those of you who have known me for a while, you may know that I was an English teacher for years – both English Language Arts and English As a Second Language. I have taught every grade level from K thru graduate level courses. Mainly in secondary classrooms in different places around the country – the world, even. So what? How does that apply to school safety?

Wow! What a year! Hard to believe what just happened in 2020, so we don’t say this lightly when we say thank you for your unwavering leadership this past year. Regardless of the role you play in the system, your leadership has mattered. And, it’s been the collective leadership of everyone coming together to work through the challenges presented to us this past year.

In our final AWSP News episode for 2020, we discuss some of those emails you’ve been getting from us about Cispus, impacting your kids with a powerful MLK experience in January, our partnership with world-renowned educator, YouTube video sensation and TED talker Shelley Moore for two Leading For Inclusion events, some professional advice for you during your Winter Break, and our holiday office closure.

Chances are you’ve participated in or at least heard of a white elephant gift exchange. Each year before we close the office for the holidays, the AWSP staff holds a white elephant gift exchange, typically at our office or a restaurant. We gather around a table and one by one, choose, open, and steal gifts. We’ve had people bring old mix tapes, creepy bird paintings, and even a full-size family wall portrait. Many people leave the exchange with something cute or fun – silly socks, tasty treats, or new bowls for their kitchen. But undoubtedly someone leaves with something they never expected, never wanted, and aren’t sure what to do with now. They take the gift home awkwardly, vowing to save it and pawn it off on someone at next year’s exchange.  When you think about it, 2020 has been a white elephant year of sorts. We certainly weren’t expecting it, most of us had no idea what to do with it, and I’m pretty sure we’ve all thought more than once that we wish we could send it back. (Sorry! Leaving unwanted gifts behind at the restaurant is not allowed.) Being stuck with it, we’ve had to learn to make the most of it.

Each year, the staff at AWSP signs up to sponsor two or three families for the holidays through the Tumwater Lions Club. it's a tradition we look forward to annually as each year draws to a close. We started our staff tradition about 10 years ago. It used to be that we bought gifts for each other. We'd draw names for a secret Santa exchange, then purchase a surprise gift for the person whose name we chose based on their list of hobbies and interests. While the internal gift exchange was fun, we all agreed that none of us actually needed those gifts, and that the money would be better used shopping for families in need.

In a recent article published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), author Mica Pollock addresses the topic of hateful speech in schools. She writes, “hate-filled speech has been on the rise as students (and adults) emulate divisive and derogatory language heard in national rhetoric and policy.” So how might educators respond to hateful speech?