Spoiled Seattle Shoppers - Remember U-Village!

With luxe shopping destinations literally all around us (Bellevue Square, The Bravern, Downtown Seattle - to name a few), it comes as no surprise that University Village has stepped up to the plate in a big way.

Located just North of downtown,  residents of the Village's surrounding neighborhoods - University District, Windermere, and Sandpoint - aren't the only loyal visitors to this fabulous "open-air"center.  In fact, the Village's unique atmosphere and eclectic "formula" for mixing local boutiques, eateries, pubs, grocery, and signature national  retailers, means a visit can be "in and out," or an extended window-shopping excursion with a friend.

So, just a thought this Tuesday afternoon - keep the U-Village in mind next time, and remember, it is well worth the skip North.

Cheers!

PAWS Walk - Magnuson Park

While they are over half-way there with $107,000 raised, PAWS goal of $200,000 is plainly in sight.  Next Saturday - September 11th, join Seattle animal lovers at Magnuson Park in an effort to raise money for our beloved four-legged friends.  This a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, get in a great walk, shopping, free sampling, take in a canine agility course, and more.  All proceeds from this fantastic event will benefit the animals at PAWS. Although registration is free, a suggested donation of $25 would be appreciated. Learn more at PAWSwalk.net or call 425-412-4027.

Spotlight Neighborhood: Lower Queen Anne

Most likely due to its proximity to the famous Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne is stocked full with about 100 restaurants, bars, and fast-food locations, such as, Dick's Drive-In, and The Mecca Cafe. Nestled along quiet side streets amongst the apartment and every-growing condo communities are an array of retail shops such as Peridot, Juniper Flowers and Choice Linens.


So, whether you are taking in the Bumbershoot festivities, stopping for a dinner showing at Teatro ZinZanni, or simply exploring the area - Lower Queen Anne is quickly turning into a "one-stop-shop" for employees and residents of this wonderful budding neighborhood.  

The Results Are In - Any Thoughts?

The Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction has, as promised, announced on their site the public schools  "report card" for 2009-2010. 
Here are the results:

Student Demographics Enrollment October 2009 Student Count 1,027,231 May 2010 Student Count 1,021,621 Gender (October 2009) Male 529,328 51.5% Female 497,903 48.5% Race/Ethnicity (October 2009) American Indian/Alaskan Native 25,460 2.5% Asian 80,823 7.9% Pacific Islander 8,665 0.8% Asian/Pacific Islander 89,488 8.7% Black 57,053 5.6% Hispanic 165,391 16.1% White 654,562 63.7% Special Programs Free or Reduced-Price Meals (May 2010) 399,878 39.1% Special Education (May 2010) 123,278 12.1% Transitional Bilingual (May 2010) 82,349 8.1% Migrant (May 2010) 14,881 1.5% Section 504 (May 2010) 11,874 1.2% Foster Care (May 2010) 4,926 0.5% Other Information (more info) Unexcused Absence Rate (2009-10) 344,723 0.3% Annual Dropout Rate (2008-09) 16,410 5.1% On-Time Graduation Rate (2008-09) 58,687 73.5% Extended Graduation Rate (2008-09) 63,238 79.2%

Financial Data (2008-09)

Per Student Amounts Percent Total Revenues $9928 100% State 6648 67% Federal 1304 13% Local Tax 1909 19% Other Sources 68 1% Total Expenditures $9807 100% Central Administration 659 7% Building Administration 582 6% Maintenance and Operations 811 8% Food Services 302 3% Transportation Services 347 4% Teaching 6856 70% Other 249 3% Teacher Information (2009-10)  (more info) Classroom Teachers 59,294 Average Years of Teacher Experience 12.4 Teachers with at least a Master's Degree 65.8% Total number of teachers who teach core academic classes 49,968 % of teachers teaching with an emergency certificate 0.1% % of teacher teaching with a conditional certificate 0.1% Total number of core academic classes 129,884 NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher Information % of classes taught by teachers meeting NCLB highly qualified (HQ) definition 98.6%    % of classes taught by teachers who do not meet NCLB HQ definition 1.4% % of classes in high poverty schools taught by teachers who meet NCLB HQ definition 98.0%    % of classes in high poverty schools taught by teachers who do not meet NCLB HQ definition 2.0% % of classes in low poverty schools taught by teachers who meet NCLB HQ definition 99.0%    % of classes in low poverty schools taught by teachers who do not meet NCLB HQ definition 1.0%

Grade Level	Reading	Math	Writing	Science
3rd Grade	72.0%	61.7%
4th Grade	67.1%	53.6%	61.0%
5th Grade	69.5%	53.6%		34.0%
6th Grade	64.5%	51.8%
7th Grade	63.3%	55.2%	70.2%
8th Grade	69.2%	51.5%		54.4%
10th Grade	78.8%	41.6%	85.9%	44.7%