When I was a middle school principal in Seattle I estimated that each year I had students coming into 6th grade from at least twenty-seven different elementary programs. We middle school folks are all about relationship, and although I tried to visit as many 5th graders as I could in the spring, there was no way I could meet them all at their schools, or get to know their unique strengths and needs. I remember wishing that I could have a consistent group of schools I could visit, a consistent set of fifth grade teachers I could talk to and collaborate with, and the chance to meet as many families as possible prior to the start of the year. In short, I wished I had more predictable feeder patterns so that I could make the middle school experience as powerful as possible by creating a solid transition.
With our new student assignment plan, we have a chance to do this! Our system-wide goal is to align all systems, leaders, coaches, and supports so that you know exactly where to go when you have questions, concerns, and important information that will help us serve your student. Our new Executive Directors of schools will be overseeing Pre-K through 12th grade regional clusters, providing smoother, stronger transitions from level to level, providing consistent instructional vision, and true accountability for all.
We have aligned our Special Education Supervisors and Consulting Teachers with the new Executive Directors so that again, we can create smooth, strong transitions for students with special needs, and be true collaborative partners with principals and school staff, providing effective, responsive services in every school. Please see here for our new leadership structure—you can see your Regional Executive Director, Supervisor, and Consulting Teacher listed. You can find contact information for the Supervisors and Consulting teachers here.
Thank you for sharing your students with us—we look forward to serving you this year.
Marni Campbell
Executive Director, Special Education Services
