SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | February 2022
It's Black History Month!
Today marks the start of Black History Month. The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. If you're interested in being inspired, check out this reading list that highlights books, websites, and other historical materials and guides on Black Health and Wellness.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in January and what your students can look forward to in February. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
MONTHLY RECAP
Field Day #3:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) virtually visited the Hutch United - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, toured the lab, built foldscopes and listened to a career panel of female scientists.
The Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) virtually visited MacDonald Miller, learned about the different pre-construction teams such as detailing, engineering, estimating and design that are involved in executing projects and listened to a career panel of women in engineering.
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) virtually visited TomboyX and got insight on what a typical production cycle looks like, how to predict color and print trends, and how to analyze and assort sales numbers. Students also had the chance to design their own prints for undergarments, lounge wear, or activewear!
RESOURCES
School Guidance from WA DOH
K-12 Schools Requirements 2021-2022 (wa.gov)
Supplemental Considerations to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission in K-12 Schools (wa.gov)
Plenty of vaccination and booster appointments in Auburn and Seattle for the whole family. Looking for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for kids and adults? Vaccination sites in Auburn and in Seattle have many appointments available! First and second doses for ages 5 and older, boosters for everyone 12 and older.
More information (including about free transportation and child care support) and other locations for vaccination: kingcounty.gov/vaccine (translations in 17 languages)
The Washington State Department of Health is recruiting young people living in Washington for a Youth Advisory Council. We are looking for applicants age 13-21 who live in Washington State and have access to the internet, social media, and email. Our recruitment will center on the communities most affected by health care inequities. More information about meetings, expectations, and how to apply can be found at: https://waportal.org/partners/home/adolescent-health/youth-advisors
In-person and virtual experiences honor Seattle’s Black & African American community. In Seattle, the legacies and achievements of Black Seattleites have shaped the city’s excellence in art, music, culture, business, science, civil rights and hospitality – among other industries. Visit Seattle strives to honor these achievements in Seattle history and recognize the Black excellence that shines in Seattle today: https://visitseattle.org/press/press-releases/visit-seattles-2022-guide-to-celebrating-black-history-month-in-seattle/
LOOKING FORWARD
SPIN students and mentors will need to bring proof of vaccination or a negative test result to all future SPIN events. Visit our website for an update on our COVID-19 protocols.
Lab Day #3 Saturday February 12th, 2022. Lunch provided.
Where: Tukwila Community Center: 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade): 1:00PM-4:30PM
*8th and 9th graders, feel free to arrive at 9:00AM for extra mentor-mentee hangout time.
Field Day #4 on March 5th, 2022. Light snacks provided.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade), 9:30AM-11:30AM: @ Renton Technical College
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade), 9:30AM-12:30PM: @ 343 Industries
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: @ Adaptive Biotechnologies
SPIN GIRLS FELLOWS
"In January, the SPIN Fellows started the year with a virtual meeting where they discussed their study timelines for the SAT. During their latest in-person check-in, they visualized their dream college experiences and began writing their independent project proposals. Independent projects for this cohort range from coding an original app, developing a social media marketing portfolio, and interning in a research lab! The SPIN Fellows have also organized bi-weekly study group sessions as a new space to focus on schoolwork, standardized test prep, and general group bonding. "
- Natalie, Fellows Program Manager
Students who graduate from SPIN Girls are invited to apply for SPIN Girls Fellows in the Spring of their 10th grade year. 15 Fellows are accepted based on their commitment to SPIN Girls and their interest in pursuing a STEM career.
For more information visit our website: https://www.stempaths.org/spin-girls-fellows