CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL

Please take a moment to read this week's update. Not a lot of content but super important nonetheless.

In this weekly update, info on:

• Classroom to Career Event on Wednesday, 10-25-23.
• Next steps after the walk out and the events leading up to it.

I have received many messages and emails over the last few days. Apologies for not responding in a timely manner. I will respond though. As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Principal Morales

We are excited to be hosting a Classroom to Career Day at Chief Sealth International on Wednesday, October 25. This event will consist of two components, A BIPOC Speaker Spotlight and a College and Career Fair afterwards. We strive to provide the opportunities our students deserve, to see themselves reflected in the leaders of their community.

Over 50 guests including scientists, pilots, chefs, landscapers, nurses, entrepreneurs, engineers, mechanics, White House staff, etc. These folks will be guest speakers in 2nd period. Then there will be a College and Career Fair with about 62 college and career organizations in the library. It will be a busy day!

ADJUSTED BELL SCHEDULE

Period 1 - 8:50-9:30

Period 2 - 9:35-10:55 (Class until 10:15, Speaker from 10:15 -10:55)

Period 3 - 11:00-11:35

LUNCH - 11:40-12:20 FAIR OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS

Period 4 - 12:25-1:05 ALL SENIORS TO ATTEND

Period 5 - 1:10-1:45

Period 6 - 1:50-2:25

Questions? Please contact Alana Temple antemple@seattleschools.org or Linda Filley Bentler lifilleybent@seattleschools.org

In case you have not read the letter I sent to families, it is included below. Apart from the points outlined in the letter, to start we will be doing the following:

• Crisis response regarding the feelings/emotions brought up during the walk out and the fights that happened afterwards. As needed, students who need a safe space will be sent to the counseling office. They will be connected to an available counselor or support staff to debrief. Staff will follow up with administration by the end of the day. We will do this until there is no longer a need.

• Social workers are forming a work group to create healing spaces and events based on feedback from what students want/need.
  
• Administration will continue to meet with students and student organizers on how to continue this work.
• Collaborate with community organizations to educate staff, coaches, and students. Below is an attachment of an example of something we plan on doing for coaches.
• More to come.

There is an emergency staff meeting for all staff before school on Monday (10/23) to inform them of our next steps and to answer questions. There will be announcements made over the intercom to inform students about connecting with a staff member if they need to.

In an attempt to bring a level of calmness to the campus and focus on this work, there will be no hall passes through Wednesday. If students need to use the restroom, they can do so before/after school, during lunch and passing periods. Of course if there is an emergency, students will be able to use the bathroom during class.

I think it important to lift up the words of the student organizers. These are some of their thoughts shared after the walk out:

The walk out was not just anti-sexual violence but anti violence in general. Some of the things that happened were unacceptable. The name dropping, false accusations, and violence that occurred were not welcome to the walk out and we actively discouraged it. The walk out was supposed to be in support of women and men who are victims. This event was not made for the purpose of witch-hunting or publicly shaming specific individuals. We are so upset on behalf of everyone who wanted to speak but had that opportunity taken from them. We profusely apologize to anyone who was harmed mentally or physically during the walk out especially those who were unjustly accused. Although a lot of faulty things occurred we also want to shed light on all the positive things because there were plenty. Everyone collectively gathering and sharing such a vulnerable moment was a beautiful thing. From the people who shared in a productive way to those in the community supporting and clapping for anyone brave enough to speak.

Dear Chief Sealth Families,

Yesterday, a concern was brought to our attention regarding group text messages written by several Chief Sealth International students. The content of the text messages was graphic in nature and extremely inappropriate. Chief Staff International staff stand united that we do not condone this type of talk.

As soon as my team became aware of these messages, we took immediate action, including:

• The school administration team is investigating the concerns and exploring appropriate discipline and additional corrective action.
• Our social workers and school leaders are reaching out to offer direct support to each student who was a subject of the messages.
• Chief Sealth International athletic leaders are developing a plan to promote gender equity, prevent sexual harassment, and help our students better understand what behaviors are expected of students and athletes.

I take the safety and wellbeing of our students very seriously. I appreciate the messages and questions families have sent to me expressing their concern about this issue. Our school and athletic teams are taking proactive steps to be sure our young people approach their peers and community members with respect.

The district and the admin team support students’ rights to express their views in a peaceful manner, including assembly and peaceful protest.

Our school has support available for students. In addition to our social workers and counselors, our school has a Teen Health Center that can help students talk through their concerns. You can find a list of student supports on our school website.

Thank you to the students who reported these messages to school staff. I encourage students to report any concerns they have to administration or other trusted adults. We want students to understand that it is important to report to a trusted adult when someone is hurt, in danger, or in an unsafe situation.

Please talk to your students to help them understand that comments that encourage sexual violence are not acceptable at our school. I am including some resource links that may be useful in talking to your students.

· UW Medicine/Harborview’s A Safer Families. A Safer World

· Love is Respect, resources for young people to promote healthy relationships

· Amaze.org, age-appropriate sex education resources

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Principal Ray Garcia Morales
Chief Sealth International High School