Permission or not, parents plan on pulling kids out of school for Seahawks parade

Update from Seattle Schools Superintendent Jose Banda:
Under state regulation, Principals have the discretion to decide if students who miss school (Wednesday) for the parade will be considered unexcused or excused.

The parade to celebrate the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, leaving many parents wondering whether it’s alright to pull their kids out of school.

For some schools in the area, parade day is becoming an unofficial holiday of sorts.

Kennedy Catholic in Burien has canceled Wednesday classes at the high school.

Public schools in Seattle will not be as lucky. The Seattle School District will not cancel classes.

“We knew that this would be one of those memory making moments so we decided pretty instantaneously to be part of the celebration,” said Arden Hellman, a Seattle mother of two boys who has no qualms about her kids attending the parade.

Seahawks Coach Pete Caroll told ESPN he thinks kids should be at the parade instead of in school.

“There’s some big educating going on this Wednesday,” Carroll said. “Seriously, in my mind, it really is about the kids. It starts a memory about following your team that lasts a lifetime. This is all what it’s all about.

“And I feel so humbled about bringing this championship back to Seattle. There’s no fan base that deserves this more, one that has supported this team with more passion and love and spirit. So yeah, shut down school. Let’s do this celebration rightfully and peacefully.”

KIRO Radio’s Tom and Curley Show is in favor of parents that want to take their child and go to the parade.

“We give them official permission to take their kid out of school to go to the parade,” said Tom Tangney.

Callers to 710 ESPN Seattle indicated they’d be taking their kids out whether the schools gave permission or not as well.

“I was 10 years old when the Sonics won their championship,” said Joe in Silverdale. “This is the first time as an adult – I’m almost 45 now – that I’ve been able to experience a major championship, and I can’t tell you how good this feels and how good it made my son feel. And yes I am pulling him out of school over here in Silverdale. He will be going to the parade.”

Tom said regardless of whether it’s officially accepted by the districts, parents should take their kids if they want to.

“This is a huge civic event and I think schools should look the other way.”