Here are a few news tidbits for you.
Open Enrollment for Seattle Public Schools for the 2012-13 school year ends this Friday. During Open Enrollment, families can register their child to enter SPS in fall 2012, apply for a school other than their assigned school, and/or apply for Montessori, Spectrum or APP. See the district’s website for forms and more information, or call the Recorded Information Line at 206-252-0410, or call the SPS Service Center at 206-252-0010.
Seattle Public Schools wants your input on creating a comprehensive K-12 arts plan for the entire district. The first of five community meetings is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. next Tuesday, at Ballard High School. Children are welcome at the meeting. There will be free supervised arts activities and snacks for school-aged children. Space is limited; RSVP is required. RSVP for a community meeting here.
All 58 locations of Bartell Drugs, including the Greenwood store at 120 N. 85th St., are collecting teddy bears for the “Teddy Bear Patrol,” now through April 1. Police departments, hospitals and emergency response teams will give teddy bears to children involved in “challenging situations.” You can purchase an official “Bartell Bear” for $7 and the company will donate a second bear to the campaign, or you can drop off a new or gently used bear (under 12 inches) at a collection bin at any Bartell store.
Seattle City Light is inviting customers to join the Community Energy Forum, a monthly online survey asking about a variety of energy-related questions, including renewable energy ideas. Participants will be entered into a monthly drawing for prizes.
Forterra (formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy), is looking for volunteers for its Tree Ambassador program.
The Tree Ambassador program empowers residents to become stewards of the urban forest and serve as resources for their local community. Tree Ambassadors are trained in the basics of urban forestry and community organizing. Tree Ambassadors work in teams to develop neighborhood projects such as tree walks, invasive species removal workdays, and/or tree plantings.
Currently 23 percent of Seattle is covered with tree canopy. The City has a goal to reach 30 percent canopy cover by 2037. The 2011 Tree Ambassador cohort cared for 113 street trees in Capitol Hill, developed a Tree Walk around Greenlake, produced brochures on conifers and ivy, staffed tables at many local neighborhood events, and more! What will 2012’s cohort do?
You can learn more about the program and apply by visiting www.Seattle.gov/trees. Applications are being accepted through April 16 for teams of two to four people to serve as local neighborhood advocates for urban trees. Individuals may apply, but they would be expected to form a team with people who live close to them. Tree Ambassadors must live in Seattle.
