Lakeridge Elementary School

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.

Graham Hill is such a gem. It reminds me of the neighborhood schools I grew up with. Small classes, engaged teachers who are truly a community/partnership with the families, and a school culture that places tremendous value on respecting kids/families of all abilities, experiences, and cultures. I have a 3rd grader and 1st grader at Graham Hill and am so glad I'll get to send my youngest there, too. My kids are happy, supported, and thriving. Before we lived in the neighborhood, my oldest (now a high schooler) spent a few years at a private school, and Graham Hill knocks that private school out of the water in every single category. We feel so lucky to be part of Graham Hill! Also worth noting, there is an on-site before/after school care and preschool program (KidsCo), which is also excellent.

The test scores at this school have been consistently low and not improving much over several years. Concentrate more on getting basic skills taught, how else are you going to achieve equity?