May 7
Seattle Sites of the Day:

Organizations in the Good Shepherd Center

A reader noticed this page and sent us a letter about it. She wrote, "I lived there in the late 50's early 60's," and continued:

"The one thing I'd like to say about this beautiful school is:

"They saved hundreds of girls. Some came there through the judicial system, and some came from parents seeking intervention for troubled teens. I was removed from my parents home by the court system. The nuns were my family. They had a wonderful love for children. I can assure you, I pushed all the buttons possible....never did they discipline me physically. I can remember them loving me in spite of my behavior. They taught us to love ourselves and reminded us that the things that happened to us as children were not our faults and we could be happy.

"I wish I could remember the dates, and the girls that had success stories so I could share them, but, when they came in, their stories were soon history and not dwelled on. The healing started as soon as we all felt safe.

"I do know, I didn't see the front of the building except the day I came and the day I left. I remember a few weeks ago looking at it and trying to remember the chapel, the dorms, the laundry where we did work for Northern Pacific Railroad. It was a good feeling.

"Keeping their mission clear to those in Seattle is critical. Thanks for responding."
- Sharon

Puget Sound Aikikai

"Students of all levels train together in a non-competitive environment, allowing Aikido to provide physical, mental, and spiritual growth for people of diverse ages and abilities. Puget Sound Aikikai is a not-for-profit community dojo dedicated to being a supportive and challenging place for the study of traditional Aikido."

"Aikido classes for children teach self-defense skills and physical coordination in a nonviolent and fun environment. There is no competition in Aikido. Children learn through practicing with partners, helping to promote cooperation and respect for others."

Marymoor R/C Club

"The model airfield is located in the northeast corner of Marymoor Park near the east entrance. ... A large grass area containing picnic tables and bleachers is provided for spectators. ... The club provides a comprehensive flight training program for its members. ... every Tuesday evening during summer months. Students fly their own models with an instructor."

"May 7 - Pylon Races - Fast models race 2.5 miles around a pylon course in groups of two to four."

In a letter to the editor in the April Seattle JACL newsletter, Robert Shimabukuro writes, in part:

"I had heard the moans and groans from other parents checking out schools for their kids, but I didn't know what they were going through until I was faced with the same situation... It should be obvious to the most casual observer that some schools and communities in Seattle are getting shortchanged...

"... few rocket scientists and brain surgeons will be coming out of southend schools unless drastic changes in policy are made and carried out. ... It has to do with recognizing the inequities and doing something about it. ... Nobody is mentioning the words racism or classism anymore, but they obviously should be.

"... where is the outrage over the state of the school itself, regardless of the name? ... Could the lack of outrage possibly be because the student body is 88% non-white? Could it possibly be because 71% of the school's students are on free or reduced lunch? ... Somebody, convince me that this isn't about race and money. ...

"Show that you care, that you really are concerned about the students. Show some support, along with dig deep-down heartfelt dollars, to help turn the school around, to help the community around the school in improving Aki Kurose Middle School. And when the school starts producing not only rocket scientists and brain surgeons, but well-informed, thinking students, prepared for high school, we can all rejoice together."

May 20 - 23
CPSR Conference:
Shaping the Network Society