Municipal Government Field Trip

F1 recently took a field trip to downtown Seattle to learn more about the three branches of government at the municipal level and how they operate.  Students came ready with thoughtful questions and were (for the most part!) on their best behavior.  We met Mayor Mike McGinn, City Councilmember Mike O'Brien, and Presiding Judge C. Kimi Kondo, and students had the opportunity to ask questions of all three.  We also had a chance to visit the City Marshals' office, go into the holding cells, and get handcuffed!  I received an email from a representative of City Hall yesterday that read, in part: "I also wanted to let you know that your students ... are the best informed student group I've met while working at the Mayor's Office."  Well done, F1!! 

It was a wonderful opportunity that would not have been possible without our amazing chaperones: Mr. Barnes, Mr. Patawaran, Ms. Dang, Mr. Porcaro, Ms. Junie, and Ms. Rocio.  Thank you so much for volunteering your time and energy!

On the bus:

In Mayor Mike McGinn's office at City Hall:

In City Councilmember Mike O'Brien's office at City Hall:

At Seattle Municipal Court, in Judges' Chambers and the Marshall's Office:

 

 

 

 

 

On a tour of City Hall:

 



Special Guest

Last week, F Pod was honored to receive a visit from a very special guest.  Ms. Ariana Kukors, Olympian and world record holder in the 200 meter Individual Medley, came to Maple and spoke to our class about the importance of goal-setting and hard work.  She shared with us how she sets a goal, writes it on her "vision board" so she can see it every day when she wakes up, and asks herself "What can I do TODAY to get closer to my goal?"  Her visit was truly inspirational, and I overheard many of the students afterwards talking about how they want to make a vision board and set new goals for themselves.  Thank you, Ms. Kukors!!

Cedar River Watershed Field Trip

These pictures are from a field trip that F1 did way back in the fall.  We went to the Cedar River Watershed Education Center to learn about the water cycle and where our drinking water comes from.  The students represented Maple well; they were interested, respectful, and active participants in all of the activities.  We had a great time and would like to give special thanks to our three fabulous chaperones: Chapel's dad, David's mom, and Mr. Horton!