Friends of SBOC would appreciate help in following areas:

• Classroom/after school tutoring
  Volunteers are needed in the classroom during the day. Particularly needed are individuals with computer skills who can help in the computer lab. Also useful are people willing to work during the lunch hour advisory (study hall) when students do their homework that reinforce skills learned in class.

• Grant writing
  Because of School District budget cuts for basic student services and supplies and because the school lacks a PTSA, funding must be sought from outside sources. Many of the school’s after school programs could be funded with grants from community resources. We need individuals willing to seek additional financial support for the school through grant givers.

• Fundraising
  In April, 2008, the Friends of SBOC put on an Art Show and Open House. The event also included a fundraising aspect and nearly $5000 was raised. Please see Donations for what this money will help to provide.

• Promotion
  The SBOC is an invaluable resource for the Seattle community. However, many people are unaware of the work being done to smooth the transition from immigrant/refugee status to American high school student. We are the envy of other school districts because we have this resource. We want to raise awareness of the school’s special role through increased press and television news coverage.

• Academic requirement issues
  Academic requirements such as passing state and federally mandated tests must be addressed. We need individuals to work with us to address the issue of required standardized testing for students who have few literacy skills. This will mean working with the OSPI and the Seattle School District to evaluate alternatives.

• Advocacy
  Because of concerns about the future of English Language Learners (ELL) in the Seattle school system, we need individuals willing to work with the School District to assure that non-English-speaking newcomers continue to receive the special support they need to be able to transfer to mainstream high schools.

To volunteer to help the Friends of SBOC, please contact:

Diane Steen
pdpf76@aol.com