SPS School Closures
If you need more information, or are concerned and would like to make your voice heard, read the PTSA’s letter to families.
B.F. Day TL;DR
Read the B.F. Day Quick Guide for quick answers to most of your questions!
B.F. Day Lingo
What is an Art Fest? Where are “upper uppers”? Check out the B.F. Day Dictionary to get in the know!
What are the benefits of joining the PTSA?
Well-informed, engaged parents make a difference for student success in school and beyond. Research shows that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces dropout rates. Joining the PTSA at BF Day is a great way to meet other parents, engage with staff and learn first-hand about the school’s needs, and pitch in on projects that are exciting to you that will help the school community.
Who is our School Counselor and how does he help our students?
I am John Taylor and I am your school counselor. I describe the school counselor role as someone who is uniquely positioned to support three different sub group of stakeholders; students, parents and teachers. I am often times the glue that holds all three together, all in hopes of supporting students through their educational journey. We at B.F. Day elementary believe that social emotional learning skills are at the heart of academic growth, thriving relationships, intentional decision making, and well-being. This priority can be seen in the opportunity I have to teach students weekly social emotional lessons in my “life skills” class. It has been proven that teaching students these “soft skills” (empathy, problem solving, coping strategies, growth mindset etc.) build the foundation for current and future successes. In years past I visited each classroom every week to teach social emotional lessons, this year I will have my own “space” to teach our kids skills to help them cope with this ever changing world. Similar to when students visit the P.E. or Art, students will receive instruction to support the development of their social and emotional skills. I will predominately be using Committee for Children’s Second Step social-emotional curriculum. I will also pull from various resources that are evidence based and work to support kids specific challenges related to remote learning. I look forward to supporting students and families this school year. In addition to doing whole class instruction I will continue to have small group discussions for our kids.
Where can I find resources about Racial Equity, Disability Awareness, Advocacy, and Support?
- Black Lives Matter at School
- One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project from the Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds
- Disability History Reading Room from the Seattle Special Education PTSA
- Seattle Special Education PTSA
- Arc of King County
- Parent to Parent: King County Facebook Group
Where can I learn more about the PTSA Board?
We’re a group of parents who help make decisions on behalf of the PTSA. We aim to help raise student voices in advocacy efforts, manage the PTSA finances, and help improve communication between B.F Day families and staff. Each individual is welcomed to bring their unique skills, ideas, and creativity to the table and participate in any activity that interests them! Elections are held annually in the spring for the executive officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary, and Fundraising Officer) positions.