8317 Duncan Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98118

This school led me to leave public schools in seattle entirely. I had twins in this school in 2021-22. The teachers were amazing- visited our home multiple times to drop off materials during the pandemic, and were dedicated, talented, fun and caring. During the 2022 year one of my twins was pulled into a bathroom, and held behind the arms while another student punched him. The incident was investigated and it was found to be an assault. My child is white and the other students were black. I am aware of the high number of suspensions for students of color and didn’t want to see these two suspended, as upset as I was- I wanted to discuss with their parents and come to an understanding. All I asked was my child to be removed from the classroom with these two boys so as to defuse the situation, and be moved into a class with his brother.The principal, Ms. Rasmussen, refused. We spent over a month trying to get my child moved and she would not budge. I complained to the district. I wrote to a “neutral board” for SPS that just sides with the principal no matter what. I considered getting a lawyer. I tried to reason that I didn’t care what punishment they deemed appropriate- I just wanted my child to be able to learn in a class without sitting next to the two boys that assaulted him. The other teachers and even the counselor were horrified and at a loss to why we couldn’t move classrooms.After this experience, I was done with public schools, which broke my heart. I had volunteered with the school, supported the staff, donated money-… but in the end parents here have no power to protect their children from harm. At one point the principal told me “your son told the boys it was ok to punch him, so it’s a bit his fault too..” I told her my son was scared to death and embarrassed, which is so often the case with victims trying to make sense of situations. I have since heard there is a new principal- so that is excellent. I do not know the new principal but I have renewed hope for the school and the students after new leadership.