Connections - December 18, 2025: Winter break begins...

Read the website accessible version here December 18, 2025 Winter break begins Monday, December 22, and extends through January 2. Learning will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. District offices will be closed to the public during winter break. Until then, enjoy your break and happy holidays!  Season of Giving 'Tis the Season of Giving in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Each year schools and district buildings across LWSD think of ways to benefit those most in need during the holiday season. They do so by holding food or clothing drives or collecting items to donate to others in the community. The items collected are distributed to families and non-profit organizations throughout the area. Visit the LWSD Facebook page to see the regularly updated list of what some of the schools are doing this year to make the season a little brighter. Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue 2026 levy facts and town halls Computer Science Education Week in LWSD Excellence in Action staff videos Education funding regional town hall Secondary math materials info session Future Chefs cooking competition E-bike safety uidance LWSF - Picking classes in high school webinar Building Excellence updates Student & staff stories 2026 Levies Five facts to know about the 2026 levies As we head into winter break, we want to ensure families have a clear understanding of the two levy renewals that our district is asking voters to consider on February 10, 2026. These measures help support the learning experiences, resources, and staff that students count on every day. Here are five key facts: Both levies are renewals, meaning they replace expiring levies previously approved by our community in February 2022. Washington state does not fully fund K-12 education, which is why districts rely on locally approved funding measures to bridge the gap. The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and the School Technology and Capital Projects levy provide funding that supports every school in our district. The EP&O levy funds the day-to-day operations of our district. This includes funding for staff, special education, athletics/extracurricular activities, and more. The School Technology and Capital Projects Levy funds our districtwide technology program. It also provides funding for small-scale infrastructure projects throughout the district. If you have any questions, please go to our website https://www.lwsd.org/2026-levies Save the date: LWSD levy town halls in January 2026 LWSD Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen and Associate Superintendent of Business and Support Services Barbara Posthumus will offer a series of online town hall events about the 2026 Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and 2026 Replacement School Technology & Capital Projects Levy. Each town hall meeting will offer an opportunity for question/answer sessions. PUBLIC EVENTS: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. (Meeting link) Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 7-8 p.m. (Meeting link) Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. (Meeting link) Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. (Meeting link) Learning focused Event tonight VIRTUAL ONLY: Elementary ELA curriculum pilot family/caregiver information night The information night tonight, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., will be a virtual only event. At this meeting, we’ll share details about the ELA curriculum selection process and provide samples to explore. You can join the meeting by clicking this link. The Reading Advisory Committee has selected two K-5 ELA curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026, following a rigorous review process grounded in research-based practices and Common Core standards. The selected programs are: Benchmark Advance/Adelante McGraw Hill Emerge!/Dual Literacy Teachers will communicate with families before implementation. Throughout the pilot, the committee will assess curriculum effectiveness, alignment to standards, and inclusivity, while gathering feedback from students, caregivers and the community. Curriculum materials were available for public review at the Resource Center September-October. For questions, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K-5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist. Computer Science Education Week celebrated in LWSD schools Computer Science Education Week took place last week (December 8-14). This is an annual, worldwide opportunity that occurs every December to inspire K-12 educators and students to engage in computer science to solve problems, advocate for equity in computer science education, celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field, and underscore the critical role of computing in all careers. This year’s theme was “CS (Computer Science) Powers AI Innovation.”  Check out the LWSD Facebook page for information and photos from students participating in Computer Science Education Week activities. Excellence in Action From Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen: Congratulations to one of December’s Excellence in Action recipients, Cameron Miller. Cameron is a Counselor and Department Chair at Eastlake High School. In the Excellence in Action video, we see Cameron exemplify the heart of our Student Profile through her daily interactions with students. As a counselor, she walks alongside young people during some of their most pivotal decisions: planning next steps, exploring future pathways, and navigating the complexities of growing up. Her work reflects both deep purpose and deep care. Click here or the image to watch the Cameron Miller edition of our Excellence in Action video series. We had a second Excellence in Action recipient for December, Jen Wiechert, Early Learning Program Specialist. Jen has a significant impact on our Early Learning programs across the district and brings with her a varied background of experiences that allows her to support, advocate, coach and simply be excellent every day. Please take a few moments to hear about Jen’s exceptional work and join Dr. Holmen in congratulating Jen Wiechert as our Excellence in Action recipient. Click here or the image to watch the Jen Wiechert edition of our Excellence in Action video series. View current and future “Excellence in Action” videos here. Regional town hall on education funding – January 7, 2026 Our community, our schools The state continues to fall short of fully funding K-12 education, and our students feel the impact every day. The regional town hall on education funding — Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 7-9 p.m. brings students, families, educators, community members and legislators together to advocate for equitable, sustainable funding. When we show up as a community, we strengthen our schools and our future.  📍 Newport High School gymnasium (4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006)  📝 Pre-submit your questions to legislators 📣 Volunteer sign-up link: https://bit.ly/4pPSTcH Secondary math materials adoption community information session Please join us on Teams for a webinar style information session about the secondary math materials adoption process and the materials that are currently under consideration.  Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. Webinar: Teams meeting link Use this link for more information about each set of materials. Recording will be posted to the Curriculum Review & Adoption - Lake Washington School District site. Contact Nyla Fritz, Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning, at nfritz@lwsd.org with any questions you may have. Have an elementary student interested in culinary arts? Future Chefs competition is here for students in grades 1-5 We’re thrilled to announce the fifteenth Future Chefs National Challenge! This year, we’re accepting entries from grades 1 through 5. The idea behind this event is to help educate the kids in HEALTHY EATING HABITS. Too often, we hear about kids not making the right choices in terms of their eating habits. Plus, eating healthy should be fun! This year’s theme is Passport to Flavor - Take your taste buds on a global adventure! We’re inviting all Future Chefs to create a recipe inspired by a country or culture from anywhere in the world - from spicy tacos to tasty noodles or sweet treats - the possibilities are endless! Judging will be based on the following criteria: Originality Kid friendly Ease of preparation Healthy attributes Plate presentation Taste Student chef presentation to judges View the flyer for more information. Included with this flyer is a link and QR code to submit their recipe electronically. The portal is open and accepting student recipes. For more on this year’s Future Chefs competition, please visit the event page on the LWSD website. District announcements Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather? Are you ready for inclement weather? When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes: Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.  Safety corner Guidance for students on e-bikes and self-transportation The health and safety of our students and staff is the number one priority in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). We recognize that many students choose bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and other self-transportation options to get to and from school. These choices promote independence and sustainability but safety must always come first. Why encourage biking? Riding a bike to school offers numerous benefits for students and families. It promotes physical activity, reduces traffic congestion around schools and supports environmentally friendly habits. For students, biking can foster a sense of responsibility and time management while providing a healthy, active start to the day. Why safety matters According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children under 10 often lack the decision-making skills needed to navigate streets safely without supervision. Families should consider age, experience and local traffic conditions before allowing younger students to ride independently. Safety tips for students Follow the directions of school and district staff. Be mindful of pedestrians, cars and buses. Wear protective gear, including helmets, and use visibility aids like lights or reflective clothing. Obey traffic laws and ride predictably. Familiarize yourself with local and state regulations for your mode of transportation. District guidance for families Storage: Students should use designated bike racks on campus and secure their equipment with a sturdy lock during school hours. E-Bikes and Electric Transportation: Charging e-bikes or electric scooters on school property is prohibited. All charging must occur at home. Families should review local and state laws regarding e-bike use. On Campus: All modes of transportation - bikes, scooters, skateboards - must be walked or carried while on school grounds. Important reminders LWSD is not liable for injuries, damages or lost/stolen items related to personal transportation devices. District staff cannot safeguard students’ personal property. By working together, we can ensure that self-transportation remains a safe and positive option for everyone. For more information, visit LWSD Walk Route Maps or contact Risk & Safety Services at semry@lwsd.org. Lake Washington Schools Foundation Mapping Your High School Journey: Picking Classes in High School | Find Your Fit Choosing high school classes soon? Join college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil and LWSD school counselor Taylor Reuhl for a conversation on choosing the right high school classes—covering rigor, Running Start, graduation requirements and more. This webinar is suitable for middle and high school families. Details and registration at: http://www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit. Building Excellence Redmond High School addition project update As part of the ongoing construction efforts on the Redmond High School addition project, demolition of the former administration wing will begin Monday, December 22. This work will take place during daytime hours throughout winter break, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The demolition is expected to be completed prior to January 5. The addition at Redmond High School is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy approved by voters. You can view additional information about this project and sign up for updates at: Redmond High School addition - Lake Washington School District. Rebuild & Enlarge Project at Rockwell Elementary reaches a big milestone On Thursday, December 18, the Rebuild & Enlarge Project at Rockwell Elementary reached a big construction milestone – the “Topping Off” ceremony. The “Topping Off” ceremony happens when the last beam is placed. This usually coincides with the highest point of the building. The tradition started in Scandinavia and includes placing a tree on the beam to honor nature. Placing an evergreen tree on the structure honors old traditions, symbolizing growth, life and respect for nature. For Rockwell Elementary, it’s a simple way to pause, recognize the achievement and look ahead to the community that will soon thrive inside. In honor of the Rockwell “Banana Tree” (a tree with limbs that are shaped like a banana that the kids like to sit on), students wrote their hopes and dreams for Rockwell Elementary on small bananas that were hung from the tree used in the ceremony. The Rebuild & Enlarge Project at Rockwell Elementary is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy approved by voters. You can view additional information about this project and sign up for updates at: Rebuild and Enlarge Rockwell Elementary - Lake Washington School District. Student & staff success Celebrating Transition Academy students for their outstanding service On November 19 and 20, Rose Hill Elementary had the privilege of hosting students from the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Transition Academy, who generously dedicated their time and talents to serve drinks to the entire Rose Hill staff.  This thoughtful gesture was more than just a warm cup of coffee. It was a demonstration of teamwork, professionalism and community spirit. The students’ attention to detail and friendly service created a welcoming atmosphere that uplifted staff and reminded them of the power of connection and gratitude. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Redmond High students win Congressional App Challenge with innovative health app Lake Washington School District is proud to celebrate the creativity and innovation of three Redmond High School students who have earned national recognition for their work in technology. Isabella Li, Hiya Pandey, and Anya Mehta were announced as winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Washington’s 1st Congressional District by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. Their winning app, AnemoDx, is designed as a non-invasive, early warning system for individuals at risk of anemia. The app estimates hemoglobin levels and alerts users if their levels are too high or too low, encouraging them to seek medical attention when needed. This tool is especially valuable for people in rural or underserved communities who may have limited access to regular blood tests or healthcare facilities. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

Connections - December 4, 2025: Levy info, Excellenc...

Read the website accessible version here December 4, 2025 Season of Giving 'Tis the Season of Giving in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Each year schools and district buildings across LWSD think of ways to benefit those most in need during the holiday season. They do so by holding food or clothing drives or collecting items to donate to others in the community. The items collected are distributed to families and non-profit organizations throughout the area. Visit the LWSD Facebook page to see the regularly updated list of what some of the schools are doing this year to make the season a little brighter. LWSD sponsored Season of Giving drives Email FamilySupports@lwsd.org with any questions about the following giving drives. Winter Toy Drive: November 1 – December 10, drop off at the Resource Center Help spread holiday cheer in our community by donating new, unwrapped toys this season. Your generosity will benefit children throughout Lake Washington School District. Gifts are needed for ages 5-18, with the biggest need being for children 13-18. Clothing Drive: November 1 - December 10, drop off at the Resource Center, EHS, LWHS or Tesla STEM We are collecting gently used clothing and shoes to share with our LWSD community. Please consider gathering unused items and dropping them off. We appreciate items that are in current fashion and good shape. The highest need is for ages 13+, or adult sizes. Families Helping Families Food Program No family should go without food. Donations will benefit students and families in Lake Washington School District. Visit https://nourishingnetworks.net/families-helping-families to donate, or you can send a check to: 2275 116th Ave NE Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98004 Memo line: Families Helping Families Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue Information about 2026 levies Maria Yarrow - November's Excellence in Action featured staff Inclusive Schools Week: December 8-12 ParentSquare streamlined notifications LWSD's approach to school safety LWSF Impact Report Rockwell Elementary construction update Student & staff stories 2026 Levies How do the February 2026 renewal levies support students here in Lake Washington School District? If approved, the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy renewal and School Technology and Capital Projects levy renewal continue funding that directly supports every school and student across our district. Here is how: Support for programs beyond what the state funds. The EP&O levy renewal helps fund student programs like Special Education, multilingual learning, and early learning programs. Health, safety and student support staff. Funding from the EP&O levy helps keep counselors, nurses, and mental health services in our schools. Technology that enables learning. The School Technology and Capital Projects levy continues funding for classroom devices, infrastructure and training, so students have access to up-to-date learning tools. Facilities and building upgrades. The School Technology and Capital Projects levy also funds building improvements to HVAC and electrical systems, which create safe, comfortable learning environments for our students. Every school and every student benefits. The February 2026 levies are not just for one school or program; they support services, technology, staffing and programs across the district, so all students have the same opportunity to succeed. If you have any questions, please visit our website https://www.lwsd.org/2026-levies. Learning focused Excellence in Action From Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen: Congratulations to November's Excellence in Action recipient Maria Yarrow. Maria is an Instructional Assistant at Rush Elementary. In the Excellence in Action video, Maria shared her commitment to ensuring all students feel seen and valued. Furthermore, she saw a gap in support for the Spanish speaking community at Rush and works to collaborate with and support students and families in very unique and meaningful ways. Maria demonstrates excellence in her work, and we are pleased to recognize her as an Excellence in Action award recipient. Enjoy the video highlighting Maria and her work. Click here or the image below to watch the November edition of our Excellence in Action video series.  Nominate an employee who embodies Excellence in Action. Click here to access the nomination form.   View current and future “Excellence in Action” videos here. Inclusive Schools Week: December 8-12 Inclusive Schools Week is December 8-12. The theme this year is “Children First.” Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated annually by families, schools and organizations around the world. The week highlights and celebrates the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population. The week provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. It is an occasion to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of teachers, administrators, students and parents in making their schools more inclusive, and, thereby, significantly contributing to the development of a more inclusive society. Learn more about inclusive schools in LWSD here. Reminder: Elementary ELA curriculum pilot family/caregiver information night The Reading Advisory Committee has selected two K-5 ELA curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026, following a rigorous review process grounded in research-based practices and Common Core standards. The selected programs are: Benchmark Advance/Adelante McGraw Hill Emerge!/Dual Literacy Teachers will communicate with families before implementation. Throughout the pilot, the committee will assess curriculum effectiveness, alignment to standards and inclusivity, while gathering feedback from students, caregivers and the community. Curriculum materials were available for public review at the Resource Center September-October. We invite families/caregivers to an Information Night on December 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Resource Center, where we’ll share details about the selection process and provide curriculum samples to explore. For questions, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K-5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist. Reminder: Computer Science Education Week: December 8-14 Computer Science Education Week is here! This is an annual call to action that occurs every December for students, teachers and families of all ages to dive into computer science, highlighting the importance of computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving in preparing the tech-driven world ahead. This year, the focus shifts to AI Literacy for all K–12 students, transitioning from Hour of Code to Hour of AI. It’s a launch point for learning about the safe, responsible and effective use of AI in education. Students and staff can begin with learning more about AI and available AI tools as well as engage in simple activities to demystify AI and explore its potential for good, using domains like engaging, creating, managing and designing with AI. District announcements Important update: Streamlining notifications for posts ParentSquare is excited to announce an improvement to how you receive notifications for posts from our schools. Soon, if you use the ParentSquare app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll receive post notifications through the app, with text notifications sent only as a backup when needed. This smart delivery system will simplify and streamline how you receive your school communications.  What's changing?  Currently, you might receive duplicate notifications for posts via both the app and text message.  With this update:  App-first delivery, with text as fallback: When a post is shared, you'll receive a notification through the app first, with a backup text notification only if needed. This applies to posts, post digests and updates to posts. No change for time-sensitive messages: Direct Messages and alerts will continue to be delivered via your preferred methods.  Why it’s changing  This change streamlines how you receive post notifications. By reducing the number of notifications sent to your device for each post, it will be easier for you to keep track of school updates in one place.  What do you need to do?  No action is required from your side! If you already use the app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll automatically benefit from this smart notification delivery.  If you haven’t downloaded the ParentSquare app or turned on app notifications, now is a great time to do so. This gives you the best way to access and customize classroom communications on your mobile device.  To learn more about this change, see ParentSquare's help article. Reminder: Coming soon for students: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most powerful tools available to enhance user account security. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification when logging in, like a mobile app or a code, along with your username or password.  This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access by as much as 99%. MFA provides:  Stronger security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additional protection in the event of a password compromise. Flexible options, such as text messaging, phone apps, hardware tokens or biometrics to verify. Enhanced protection of sensitive user data. For more information on MFA and how it protects your account, visit our LWSD Multi-factor authentication infographic and the National Cybersecurity Alliance page. Student MFA for international login is coming first Over the last few years, attackers have expanded their focus from staff accounts to student accounts in their persistent attempts to gain a foothold in our LWSD environment. To help protect student accounts, we are implementing multi-factor authentication prompts for student accounts attempting to sign in from outside the United States. This change for students will go live on December 15.   Students will need to register for their MFA method prior to their travel outside of the country to access district resources from a personal device. If they are using their assigned district device when they are outside the US, they will bypass the MFA requirement. More details will be sent out soon, including instructions on how students can register for MFA. Visit the technology service public web page for more information - Technology Services - Lake Washington School District. Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather? Are you ready for inclement weather? When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes: Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.  Safety corner Layered approach to school safety Keeping students and staff safe is one of Lake Washington School District's top priorities. One of our strategic goals is to "provide safe and innovative learning environments." We do this through a layered safety approach. What is layered school safety? A layered safety approach recognizes that no single barrier or intervention is sufficient by itself to maintain a safe campus. Rather, using multiple layers acts like a filter to be able to identify, resolve and mitigate threats. At LWSD we think about the following layers: Wellbeing, classroom safety, school safety, internal safety, external safety, cyber safety and safety management. Each of these layers has multiple components and taken together are designed to help keep our students, staff and visitors safe. Learn more about LWSD’s layered approach to school safety here: School Safety - Lake Washington School District. Lake Washington Schools Foundation Thank you for stepping up for students LWSF is truly blown away by the generosity of our community during our All in for Kids campaign. Together, you helped raise over $100,000 to support students who rely on weekend food from the Pantry Packs program.  As many families continue to recover from the effects of the recent government shutdown and reductions in government assistance, your contributions help keep Pantry Packs going strong throughout the school year. If you'd like to continue making a difference, you can donate here. There’s still time to give to the annual Pantry Packs Thanks"Giving" Food Drive. Donate through the Amazon Wish List or drop off kid-friendly, nonperishable items on select dates. Learn more here. LWSF 2024-25 Fall Impact Report is now available Because of community members like you, incredible things are happening in our schools. Your commitment ensures students continue to have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The LWSF Fall Impact Report highlights just some of the impact made possible by your support during the 2024-25 school year. Read the report here. Building Excellence The new Rockwell Elementary building has leveled up! Second story takes shape on project to rebuild & enlarge Rockwell Elementary The new Rockwell Elementary building has leveled up! The second story is taking shape with the wall panels being installed in the south classroom pods and progressing towards the north side of the building and gymnasium. The gym has the largest steel beams in the whole school. These beams were installed right before Thanksgiving. To commemorate the completion of wood framing, Lydig Construction and Rockwell Elementary will celebrate the last beam getting installed with a special ceremony during the school day later this month. Students and staff are encouraged to sign the beam to become a part of the history of their new elementary school building. Check out the latest project update here. The rebuild and enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy. You can view additional information about this project at: Rebuild and Enlarge Rockwell Elementary - Lake Washington School District. Student & staff success Honoring Native Youth at the Eastside Native American Education Program Powwow For the past 27 years, the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) has hosted an annual Powwow, a vibrant celebration of Native culture featuring singing, dancing, drumming and community gathering. This year’s Powwow, held on Saturday, October 25, at Juanita High School, embraced the theme “Honoring Our Youth,” lifting up the excellence and leadership of Native students. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Lake Washington School District Board of Directors named “Board of Distinction” 49 school boards across the state recognized For the fifth consecutive year, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has been named a “Board of Distinction” by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). Only 49 of Washington’s 295 school boards received recognition as Boards of Distinction. LWSD is one of 17 recognized in the “Large School Districts (9,001+ students FTE)” category. The annual Boards of Distinction program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards. These standards promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement and help close gaps that impact student success. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Connections - November 20, 2025: Donation drives aro...

Read the website accessible version here November 20, 2025 Season of Giving 'Tis the Season of Giving in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Each year schools and district buildings across LWSD think of ways to benefit those most in need during the holiday season. They do so by holding food or clothing drives or collecting items to donate to others in the community. The items collected are distributed to families and non-profit organizations throughout the area. Visit the LWSD Facebook page to see the regularly updated list of what some of the schools are doing this year to make the season a little brighter. LWSD sponsored Season of Giving drives Email FamilySupports@lwsd.org with any questions. Winter Toy Drive: November 1 – December 10, drop off at the Resource Center Help spread holiday cheer in our community by donating new, unwrapped toys this season. Your generosity will benefit children throughout Lake Washington School District. Gifts are needed for ages 5-18, with the biggest need being for children 13-18. Clothing Drive: November 1 - December 10, drop off at the Resource Center, EHS, LWHS or Tesla STEM We are collecting gently used clothing and shoes to share with our LWSD community. Please consider gathering unused items and dropping them off. We appreciate items that are in current fashion and good shape. The highest need is for ages 13+, or adult sizes. Families Helping Families Food Program No family should go without food. Donations will benefit students and families in Lake Washington School District. Visit https://nourishingnetworks.net/families-helping-families to donate, or you can send a check to: 2275 116th Ave NE Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98004 Memo line: Families Helping Families Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue 2026 levies Elementary ELA curriculum family info night CTE Program Advisory Committees kickoff Computer Science Education Week - December 8-14 Student multi-factor authentication (MFA) Building Excellence update Student success stories 2026 Levies How do the February 2026 levy renewals support our students, staff and schools? Lake Washington School District will have two levy renewals on the ballot in the February 2026 election. These measures continue funding previously approved by our community to ensure excellence for every student.    Proposition 1: Renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy  This levy continues funding for the day-to-day operations of our district. It supports student programs such as Special Education, multilingual learning, early learning, and highly capable services. It also provides funding for essential staff, including counselors, nurses, and mental health professionals, to help ensure our students are healthy, safe, and supported.    Proposition 2: Renewal of the School Technology and Capital Projects Levy  This levy continues our community’s investment in technology and school facilities. It funds classroom technology devices, curriculum tools, internet and wifi network, training for teachers and the technology operations of a large school district. It also supports critical building needs and upgrades for systems at the end of their useful life such as HVAC, roofing, flooring; and other upgrades that keep schools safe and operational. Learning focused Elementary ELA curriculum pilot family/caregiver information night The Reading Advisory Committee has selected two K-5 ELA curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026, following a rigorous review process grounded in research-based practices and Common Core standards. The selected programs are: Benchmark Advance/Adelante McGraw Hill Emerge!/Dual Literacy Teachers will communicate with families before implementation. Throughout the pilot, the committee will assess curriculum effectiveness, alignment to standards and inclusivity, while gathering feedback from students, caregivers and the community. Curriculum materials were available for public review at the Resource Center September-October. We invite families/caregivers to an Information Night on December 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Resource Center, where we’ll share details about the selection process and provide curriculum samples to explore. For questions, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K-5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist. Thank you for a successful CTE Program Advisory Committees kickoff We were thrilled to welcome 40 business and community members who partnered with our teachers to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Advisories. Their collaboration is key to aligning classroom learning with real-world industry needs. Following an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote on Responsible AI by Microsoft’s Kavita Kamani, attendees joined breakout sessions to discuss curriculum and industry trends across program areas: Agriculture & Natural Resources Business & Marketing Computer Science Health Sciences Human Services Skilled & Technical Arts STEM Our CTE programs thrive on the expertise of industry and community leaders who help us integrate emerging technologies and workforce trends into the classroom. Together, we’re building pathways that empower students and strengthen our future workforce. Interested in getting involved? Visit College & Career Readiness - Lake Washington School District to learn more. Your engagement makes a difference! Computer Science Education Week: December 8-14 Computer Science Education Week is here! This is an annual call to action that occurs every December for students, teachers and families of all ages to dive into computer science, highlighting the importance of computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving in preparing the tech-driven world ahead. This year, the focus shifts to AI Literacy for all K–12 students, transitioning from Hour of Code to Hour of AI. It’s a launch point for learning about the safe, responsible and effective use of AI in education. Students and staff can begin with learning more about AI and available AI tools as well as engage in simple activities to demystify AI and explore its potential for good, using domains like engaging, creating, managing and designing with AI. Reminder: Choice School application process is now open - Information nights have begun Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.   Applications for Choice Schools and programs are now open through December 1 and were sent to families via ParentSquare. Schools are now hosting information nights. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details: https://www.lwsd.org/schools/choice-schools. District announcements Coming soon for students: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most powerful tools available to enhance user account security. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification when logging in, like a mobile app or a code, along with your username or password.  This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access by as much as 99%. MFA provides:  Stronger Security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access  Additional protection in the event of a password compromise  Flexible options, such as text messaging, phone apps, hardware tokens or biometrics to verify Enhanced protection of sensitive user data  For more information on MFA and how it protects your account, visit our LWSD Multi-factor authentication infographic and the National Cybersecurity Alliance page. Student MFA for international login is coming first Over the last few years, attackers have expanded their focus from staff accounts to student accounts in their persistent attempts to gain a foothold in our LWSD environment. To help protect student accounts, we are implementing multi-factor authentication prompts for student accounts attempting to sign in from outside the United States. This change for students will go live on December 15.   Students will need to register for their MFA method prior to their travel outside of the country to access district resources from a personal device. If they are using their assigned district device when they are outside the US, they will bypass the MFA requirement. More details will be sent out soon, including instructions on how students can register for MFA. Visit the technology service public web page for more information - Technology Services - Lake Washington School District. Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather? Are you ready for inclement weather? When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes: Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.  Sustainability corner Student-led sustainability initiative to increase recycling opportunities for used school supplies EcoBeyond is a student-led sustainability initiative focused on increasing the availability of recycling opportunities for commonly discarded school supplies such as pens, markers and crayons. Led by Aarav Gumber, a junior at Tesla STEM High School, EcoBeyond empowers students to act against plastic waste in the form of school supplies through recycling drives. EcoBeyond combines environmental education with community engagement with the goal of inspiring long-term sustainable habits. Read more about this on the LWSD website.  Lake Washington Schools Foundation Reminder: Help local kids thrive through Pantry Packs While state and federal supports are increasingly uncertain, Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) remains steadfast in working to serve as a reliable resource for the community. Through LWSF’s Pantry Packs program, LWSF provides weekend food packs to food-insecure students across Lake Washington School District – ensuring that no child has to worry about their next meal. You can make a difference by contributing to LWSF’s Fall Food Drive by donating directly to their Amazon Wish List or delivering your food donations in person to the LWSF warehouse on selected dates. Visit the LWSF website for details. Not sure what to give? Check out the kid-friendly food list for the most needed items. Every can, box, and pouch you donate helps ensure that students return to school on Mondays nourished and ready to learn. Building Excellence Summer technology projects keep LWSD students, staff and families rolling in 2025-26 Technology and Facilities staff partnered on projects throughout the summer to ensure that student and staff devices and the LWSD network can fully support student learning as well as the operations of a large school district. This work is funded by our voter-approved 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy. This levy supports approximately 88% of the technology budget for LWSD and must be renewed by voters every four years.  Here are just a few of the important technology projects completed this summer: Wireless upgrade completion – LWSD finalized the wireless upgrade project (2022-25), transitioning from basic coverage to coverage plus capacity. This enhancement was validated during the 2024–25 school year when AP testing moved online. Hundreds of students tested simultaneously in common areas at each of the schools without any network issues.  Disaster recovery site established – LWSD launched a secondary data center at Timberline Middle School, providing a co-location option should the primary Resource Center data center become unavailable. This site enables us to restore technical operations to approximately 95% capacity. Ongoing work focuses on connecting all district sites to this backup facility for seamless failover access. Server infrastructure modernization – In 2025, LWSD replaced a fragmented mix of servers and storage with a modern, integrated Nutanix platform. This upgrade, combined with the dual-site architecture between the Resource Center and Timberline Middle School, enables failover capabilities. As a result, our reliance on more costly servers dropped to about 1%, while we continue to maintain Office 365, SharePoint and storage in Azure.  Enterprise backup system implemented – For the first time, LWSD deployed a true enterprise backup solution: Rubrik. Used by industry leaders like Microsoft, Rubrik provides immutable, unchangeable backups, protecting against ransomware and ensuring data integrity.  Early learning devices - iPads at K-1 – 2022-23 feedback from teachers and students raised awareness of the need to transition K-1 student technology to a more age-appropriate format. This multi-year effort included a proof-of-concept, followed by two rounds of pilot testing with our youngest learners at multiple schools. After successful validation, LWSD completed the full deployment over the summer, so our students in grades K-1 had access to brand new iPads to use on day 1.  Implementation or upgrades to 15 Career and Technical Education (CTE) labs and carts – Fifteen of LWSD’s oldest CTE desktop and laptop labs, across ten schools, were refreshed with brand new devices during Technology Operations summer work (completed June-August 2025). These upgrades provide students and staff with the latest LWSD CTE standards; improving performance, reliability and access to modern tools for career and technical education.   Technology needs coordination for the opening of portables at EHS and RHS – The technology team coordinated with the capital projects team around planning, ordering, delivery and technology support for the opening of new portables that will support the longer-term construction vision for the additions at Eastlake High School and Redmond High School.  This is just a fraction of the learning and work supported each and every day across the district made possible by the 2022 Technology and Capital Projects Levy, which will be up for renewal in February of 2026.  "The iPad’s lightweight design and simple password setup made it incredibly easy for our kindergarten students to log in within 10 minutes. Previously, it took up to two weeks at the start of school to get all students logged in and ready for lessons. This efficiency increased instructional time and app usage in class.” – Amy Schneider, Teacher, Wilder Elementary  Student & staff success Rockwell fifth grader creates hit card game inspiring peers At Rockwell Elementary, creativity is thriving thanks to fifth grader Ishanth Maheshwaran, whose original card game, Battle Beasts, has become one of the most popular activities in the school’s Extended Day program. What started as a personal project has grown into a phenomenon among students. Ishanth not only designed the gameplay but also illustrated every card using digital art tools. His realistic fantasy style brings each creature to life, making the game visually stunning and fun to play. Students at Rockwell Extended Day now gather daily to challenge each other in Battle Beasts matches, and nearly every student owns a copy of the game. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Nov 20 2025

Connections - November 6, 2025: Veterans Day observa...

Read the website accessible version here November 6, 2025 Celebrating Veterans Day in LWSD All schools and district offices are closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Lake Washington School District wants to take this opportunity to thank all veterans for their service and dedication to our country. This week throughout the district, and next week, many schools are holding assemblies, giving presentations and hearing stories from veterans. Visit our Facebook page to see images of veterans being honored in our district.  Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue High school schedule update Choice School application window open through December 1 LWSF: Pantry Packs and events Building Excellence update: RHS and Rockwell Elementary Staff and student success stories Learning focused High school schedule update On Wednesday, November 5, LWSD Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen announced an important high school schedule update. Here are the highlights of that message: Schools will develop their own schedule for the 2026-27 school year. Schools will be able to consider small adjustments to the schedule for 2nd semester this year.  Our commitment is to continue focusing on excellence for our students. “As we’ve evaluated our progress, we believe our collective energy is best focused on strengthening teaching, learning and the overall student experience rather than continuing to pursue a single, district-wide schedule,” said Dr. Holmen. “While the idea of a common schedule had merit, it is not our highest-leverage strategy for helping every student graduate prepared for their future.” “My hope is that this change demonstrates our commitment to listening, learning and adapting based on what best serves students.” Read the full update here. Reminder: Choice School application process is now open - Information nights have begun Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.   Applications for Choice Schools and programs are now open through December 1 and were sent to families via ParentSquare. Schools are now hosting information nights. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details: https://www.lwsd.org/schools/choice-schools. Reminder: Help shape LWSD Secondary Curriculum: Math pilot feedback and science committee opportunity Secondary math curriculum adoption pilot materials available to review  The Secondary Math Materials Adoption Committee has reached consensus in choosing two sets of materials for courses from 6th grade through Algebra 2. A select group of teachers will be involved with the pilot from September through January. Throughout the pilot period, teachers will consider how the different programs operate in a daily classroom environment to support all students to reach their full potential. The committee will gather targeted feedback from all teachers and students involved in this process.  Community feedback is essential in this process, and we welcome your input. Please access information about both programs and the survey link here: https://www.lwsd.org/fs/resource-manager/view/44a8be39-9ab1-48cd-90e7-401f386adbdd.  Print samples are available in the lobby of the Resource Center. The survey closes January 16.  The committee is scheduled to make a recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board this Spring.  For more information about the math materials adoption process: Curriculum Review & Adoption - Lake Washington School District.  Secondary Science Instructional Materials Adoption Committee seeking community participants Over the next two years, the LWSD Teaching & Learning Department will engage in the district curriculum adoption process and make a recommendation to the school board for new instructional materials for High School Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This committee will be made up of teachers, community members, school administrators and district support staff. This year the committee will meet approximately four times in person during the school day. Committee members engage in learning about current research, standards and effective instructional practices and then apply that learning in evaluating resources for potential adoption.   Meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year are November 20, January 13, March 10 and May 27. We will meet from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and lunch will be provided.    We are seeking community members with varied perspectives to join this committee. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this community recruitment form by end of day, October 31, 2025. District announcements Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather? Are you ready for inclement weather? When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes: Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.  Lake Washington Schools Foundation Help local kids thrive through Pantry Packs While state and federal supports are increasingly uncertain, Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) remains steadfast in working to serve as a reliable resource for the community. Through LWSF’s Pantry Packs program, LWSF provides weekend food packs to food-insecure students across Lake Washington School District – ensuring that no child has to worry about their next meal. You can make a difference by contributing to LWSF’s Fall Food Drive by donating directly to their Amazon Wish List or delivering your food donations in person to the LWSF warehouse on selected dates. Visit the LWSF website for details. Not sure what to give? Check out the kid-friendly food list for the most needed items. Every can, box, and pouch you donate helps ensure that students return to school on Mondays nourished and ready to learn. Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI | ParentEd Talk What will learning look like in five years — or even next fall? As AI rapidly transforms education, families are left wondering what the future holds for their kids. On November 18 at noon, join Khan Academy founder Sal Khan to learn how to safely harness AI as a tool for learning, while keeping kids’ creativity and curiosity alive. Sign up for the live Q&A webinar for FREE! You'll also gain access to the event recording so you can watch it anytime, anywhere. Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/ParentEd-Talks. Getting It Together: Executive Function for Today's Teens Join Find Your Fit’s Mary Pat O’Neil and Frances Carhart M.Ed., a seasoned educator and college counselor, for a conversation about helping teens develop their executive function skills and why it’s important. They will share practical strategies and resources for parents. When: Tuesday, November 18 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Where: Zoom webinar Cost: Free. A small donation to support the work of Lake Washington Schools Foundation is greatly appreciated. Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit.  Building Excellence Update on the addition at Redmond High School Earlier this week, staff, students and families at Redmond High School (RHS) were notified of an important update regarding the planned addition at their school. Due to extended design and city permitting timelines, we will be unable to meet our original project schedule. The revised construction timeline is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2027, with some areas able to be occupied as soon as they are available. We now anticipate the addition will open fully in Fall 2027. Opening in Fall 2027 will help to minimize disruption to school operations in the spring and provide flexibility for any further delays. As a reminder, the addition at RHS is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy. You can view additional information about this project at: Redmond High School addition - Lake Washington School District.  Walls up and away we go! Progress continues on project to Rebuild & Enlarge Rockwell Elementary The November 2025 Construction Update from the Rebuild & Enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary shares that the new school is taking shape - with exterior and interior walls being installed. These engineered wall panels were designed with building information modeling in 3D and are shipped to the school custom-made and ready to install. This improves safety, efficiency and quality. Lydig crews set and secure each panel and make every connection to build the new classrooms. The joists and floor trusses that connect between the top of the walls makes a sturdy platform for the second story of Rockwell Elementary. Check out the latest project update here. The rebuild and enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy. You can view additional information about this project at: Rebuild and Enlarge Rockwell Elementary - Lake Washington School District.  Student & staff success A day to remember: How the LWSD grounds crew creates an exceptional experience for a student Last school year at Redmond Elementary, a simple visit from the grounds crew turned into an unforgettable adventure for one curious first grader named Arijit. From the moment the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) grounds crew arrived, Arijit was captivated. Not just by the rumble of machinery and the whir of tools, but by the possibility of learning how everything worked. Arijit’s fascination with all things mechanical was obvious. He watched the crew intently, his eyes wide with wonder, determined to meet the team and discover the secrets behind their equipment. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon he was asking questions, eager to understand every detail. The crew didn’t just tolerate his curiosity, they embraced it. They answered every question with patience and kindness, turning a routine workday into a moment of mentorship and inspiration. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Jenai Sheffels honored with the 2025 Dee Simon Teacher of Excellence Award The Holocaust Center for Humanity was proud to announce Jenai Sheffels, teacher at Tesla STEM High School, as the 2025 Dee Simon Teacher of Excellence Award recipient. This annual award recognizes educators who inspire students to think critically, act with compassion and take responsibility for building a more just and humane world. Sheffels was presented with the award during the Holocaust Center’s annual Voices for Humanity Luncheon on Friday, October 24. Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Nov 06 2025

Connections - October 24, 2025: Remember to vote! LW...

Read the website accessible version here October 24, 2025 REMEMBER TO VOTE BY NOVEMBER 4! Are you registered to vote? Check your voter registration to make sure you can vote in the November 4 election by going to: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/register-to-vote.aspx. The last day to register online for the November election is October 27. Have you voted? You can vote by mail – no stamp needed! – or drop off your ballot 24/7 in a ballot box. More info: https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/returning-my-ballot. Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue LWSD's commitment to sustainability Curriculum feedback and advisory opportunities CTE Program Advisory Kickoff - calling all industry experts! Students and staff unite against bullying New Alertus Desktop Notifications LWSF Pantry Pack program and college prep courses Building Excellence update Staff and student success stories Exceptional Experiences for Each Learner LWSD’s commitment to sustainability Muir Elementary unveils new Outdoor Learning Lab On October 7, Muir Elementary School was transformed into a vibrant hub of hands-on learning as volunteers came together to build a new Outdoor Learning Lab. This inspiring initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Seattle Seahawks, Monolithic Power Systems and OutTeach, a national nonprofit dedicated to turning outdoor spaces into dynamic learning environments. Learn more. Only rain down the drain! LWSD students learn about protecting our shared waterways The City of Kirkland and Rainworks teamed up with Muir Elementary and Kirkland Middle School to help spread the word about pollutants found in stormwater runoff. To highlight the impact of stormwater pollution, the city’s Storm & Surface Water Division installed temporary, eco-friendly art on both campuses. These designs appear when it rains, offering a fun and memorable reminder that storm drains carry water – and pollutants – directly into our lakes and rivers. Learn more. Learning focused Help shape LWSD Secondary Curriculum: Math pilot feedback and science committee opportunity Secondary math curriculum adoption pilot materials available to review  The Secondary Math Materials Adoption Committee has reached consensus in choosing two sets of materials for courses from 6th grade through Algebra 2. A select group of teachers will be involved with the pilot from September through January. Throughout the pilot period, teachers will consider how the different programs operate in a daily classroom environment to support all students to reach their full potential. The committee will gather targeted feedback from all teachers and students involved in this process.  Caretaker and community feedback is essential in this process, and we welcome your input. Please access information about both programs and the survey link here: https://www.lwsd.org/fs/resource-manager/view/44a8be39-9ab1-48cd-90e7-401f386adbdd.  Print samples are available in the lobby of the Resource Center. The survey closes January 16.  The committee is scheduled to make a recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board this Spring.  For more information about the math materials adoption process: Curriculum Review & Adoption - Lake Washington School District.  Secondary Science Instructional Materials Adoption Committee seeking community participants Over the next two years, the LWSD Teaching & Learning Department will engage in the district curriculum adoption process and make a recommendation to the school board for new instructional materials for High School Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This committee will be made up of teachers, community members, school administrators and district support staff. This year the committee will meet approximately four times in person during the school day. Committee members engage in learning about current research, standards and effective instructional practices and then apply that learning in evaluating resources for potential adoption.   Meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year are November 20, January 13, March 10 and May 27. We will meet from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and lunch will be provided.    We are seeking community members with varied perspectives to join this committee. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this community recruitment form by end of day, October 31, 2025. You’re invited: CTE Program Advisory Committee Kickoff event Calling all industry experts & passionate parents! Do you have professional experience in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, business, culinary arts, skilled trades or other career areas? We’re looking for parents and community members who can lend their expertise to help guide and strengthen our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by serving on Program Advisory Committees. We’re excited to welcome you to our CTE Program Advisory Kickoff! This event is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate and contribute to the future of student learning. Date: November 5, 2025 Time: 5 - 7 p.m. Location: Lake Washington School District Resource Center Address: 16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond 98052 Why attend? Learn about CTE programs offered in our schools and how they prepare students for college, careers and life. Explore opportunities to serve as an advisor, lending your professional insight to help inform curriculum and ensure our programs reflect real-world industry needs. Discover ways to support career-connected learning, including guest speaking, mentorship, internships and more. Connect with educators and other industry professionals who are passionate about preparing students for future success. If you’re interested in making meaningful impact on student learning and career readiness, we’d love to see you there! RSVP by October 30 or express interest in serving as an advisor by emailing CollegeCareerReady@LWSD.org Reminder: Choice School application process opens November 1 at 8 a.m. Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.   Applications for Choice Schools and programs will open on November 1, 2025, at 8 a.m. via ParentSquare. Additional information about the application will be sent out soon. Schools will be hosting information nights and posting information on their websites. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details: https://www.lwsd.org/schools/choice-schools. Reminder: Elementary ELA curriculum pilot resources available to review The Reading Advisory Committee has conducted a thorough evaluation of available K–5 ELA curricular resources, guided by years of calibration and shared learning, and grounded in research-based literacy practices, the ELA Common Core State Standards, and effective instructional strategies. As a result of this process, the committee has selected two curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026. These selections were made through a consensus process informed by rubric data, identified needs from The Reading League and advisory-generated criteria. The two curricula chosen for the pilot are: Benchmark Advance/Adelante McGraw Hill Emerge!/McGraw Hill Dual Literacy Teachers participating in the pilot will send communications to families prior to implementation. During the pilot, the committee will evaluate how each curriculum functions in daily classroom settings for both teachers and students. The review will focus on alignment with standards, evidence-based practices and inclusive instructional approaches. In addition, the committee will collect student performance data and gather feedback from students, teachers, caregivers and the broader community. Community, family and parent feedback is a vital part of this process, and we welcome your input. Starting September 22, 2025, digital access to both curricula will be available, along with physical samples at the LWSD Resource Center. You can explore the materials and submit feedback via the following link: Feedback survey linked here  Digital Access for Benchmark Advance click here (Username: lwsd_teacher, Password: password) Digital Access for McGraw Hill Emerge! click here (Username: ELALakewash1, Password: Lakewash1) Survey responses are anonymous and will help guide the Reading Advisory’s final recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board in spring 2026. We will offer an information session for the public on December 18, 2025, to share about the selection process and the curricula under consideration. If interested in attending, please stay tuned for the date and time that will be offered. If you have questions or comments, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K–5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist. Students and staff wear orange on October 22 to show we’re united against bullying Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? LWSD staff and students showed they cared about safe and supportive schools by making their color ORANGE for Unity Day on October 22. That’s the day everyone came together – in schools, communities and online – to send one large ORANGE message of support, hope and unity. Read more about how you can stand against bullying and come together for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. FINAL reminder: ENAEP Honoring Our Youth Powwow October 25 Come join in the Native community and the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) in honoring our youth! We are hosting a powwow to recognize our amazing youth. There will be vendors, concessions, dancing, powwow drumming, a raffle and more! Event details: Families are invited to a private event at 3 p.m. in the Juanita High School Commons area. Powwow grand entry at 6 p.m. at Juanita High School gymnasium. District announcements Are you ready for inclement weather? Are you ready for inclement weather? When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes: Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.  FINAL reminder: LWSD partners with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu & COVID shot clinics in Oct. LWSD is partnering with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu and COVID vaccine clinics throughout October. The exact products available will be the Flucelvax Trivalent Preservative-Free Flu Vaccine and the newly updated 2025 Moderna Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), which protects against the LP.8.1 strain of the virus. Flu shots can be provided to those ages 4+, but patients must be at least 5 years old for COVID vaccines. Flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the following locations: Friday, October 24, 2:30-7 p.m. at Kamiakin M.S. (14111 132nd Ave N.E., Kirkland) Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Redmond H.S. (17272 NE 104th St, Redmond) Register here: https://schedule.seattlevna.com/home/b2e67bfb-a83a-ed11-9db1-6045bd0054d4. Important information: Each patient needs their own individual appointment registration, in their legal name, completed with their individual information. For records reporting purposes, please ensure the accuracy of your demographic information, including your name and date of birth. For example, a family of four will need four separate appointments. If you are unable to schedule all family members in the same time slot, please register the remaining members in the closest available time slot. You may all still come to the clinic at the same time. Please have your confirmation code ready. The confirmation code will be included in your confirmation text message and email. As of September 4, 2025, Washington State has signed a public health order which allows all Washington residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of health conditions, and expands vaccine access beyond current FDA/CDC recommendations. The Washington State Department of Health recommends COVID vaccinations this season for everyone age 6 months and older.  If you have an approved insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid, you must provide this information during registration, and we will bill your insurance. You will not be charged a co-pay or deductible.  Patients without an active, accepted insurance plan may pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. Cash rates for the 2025 season are $55 per flu shot and $200 per COVID-19 immunization. Questions? Email info@seattlevna.com.  Safety corner Implementation of Alertus Desktop Notifications Beginning November 1, 2025, Lake Washington School District will begin using Alertus Desktop Notifications to strengthen emergency communication across our campuses. This enhancement joins our existing tools – including Raptor Alert, intercoms, email, Microsoft Teams and two-way radios – to build a fast and reliable safety alert system. What is Alertus, and how does it affect students? Alertus Desktop Notification is a software tool that immediately provides visual and audible emergency messages on staff computers when a Raptor alert is initiated at a school building. Since staff devices are often used to project content onto classroom Smart Boards, students may: See an emergency alert message on the classroom Smart Board Hear a notification sound coming from the classroom’s computer These alerts are designed to be brief and clear so staff can respond quickly. Once the situation is resolved, an “All Clear” message will appear, signaling that normal activity may resume. Why this matters Combining Alertus with Raptor Alert enables faster communication across campuses—especially when seconds matter. The system helps ensure: Timely alerts to staff Consistency in messaging While these notifications may be briefly visible to students, please rest assured that school staff are trained to manage these moments calmly and efficiently, following our established safety protocols. If you have questions or concerns about Alertus or any other aspect of our emergency response plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s main office. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools safe. Lake Washington Schools Foundation Help local kids thrive through Pantry Packs For more than 1,100 students in Lake Washington School District, weekend meals are not a guarantee. Through Pantry Packs, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation provides discreet bags of shelf-stable food so students can return to school nourished and ready to learn. As federal aid declines and demand rises, monthly gifts are essential to sustaining this lifeline for growing numbers of families. Donate today to make a lasting impact: www.lwsf.org/all-in-for-kids. Students helping students fight hunger They once benefited from free coding classes—now they’re paying it forward by feeding hungry peers through LWSF's Pantry Packs program. These LWSD students are turning gratitude into action, proving that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Read how student-led organization Hand in Hand We Grow is lifting each other up. Read their story here. Free college planning events from local college counselor Mary Pat O'Neil LWSF’s Find Your Fit Program is offering free events to support high school families as they navigate the college planning and application process: November 5: Standardized Testing Update for High School Families November 18: Getting It Together – Executive Function for Today’s Teens For more details and to register, visit www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit.  Building Excellence Eastlake High Students get a close-up look at next phase of construction Eastlake High School (EHS) students took part in a second round of construction tours – this time focusing on the crane operations and steel work that are shaping the new E-wing addition. Students from special education classes, Pack News (the EHS video news program) and the yearbook team had the chance to ask questions of the construction crew, take photos and video, and learn firsthand about the structural elements that will define the new space. These tours help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Voters approved funding for the EHS addition as part of the 2022 Construction levy. Learn more about the Eastlake High School addition here. Student & staff success Lake Washington School District Selected for National AI Policy Lab Network Lake Washington School District (LWSD) was recently selected as one of only sixteen school districts nationwide to participate in the 2025–2026 EDSAFE AI Policy Lab Network, an initiative of the EdSAFE AI Alliance. This selection recognizes LWSD’s leadership and commitment to ensuring that every student benefits from safe, equitable and effective educational opportunities.  Through this collaborative network, LWSD will work alongside leading districts and states to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 education. The district’s participation will focus on developing a comprehensive “policy stack” that includes responsible use guidelines, parent communication and consent protocols, and professional development resources for educators. These efforts are grounded in the SAFE Framework, prioritizing safety, accountability, fairness and efficacy for all learners.  Learn more about this on the LWSD website.  RHS marching band debut new uniforms at Homecoming On October 3, the Redmond High School Marching Band proudly unveiled their new uniforms during their Friday night Homecoming football game. After a 20-year hiatus, the band was revived last year, marking a significant moment for the school and community. The band energized the crowd both before the game and during halftime, as students, parents and alumni gathered to celebrate the occasion. You can see more images of the new uniforms on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Friday, Oct 24 2025

Connections - October 9, 2025: Learn about the two b...

Read the website accessible version here October 9, 2025 Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue Two ballot measures for the February 2026 election AP exam registration window extended to October 20 Choice School application window opens November 1 Elementary ELA curriculum review October 22 is Unity Day - Wear orange! National Custodian Day was October 2 Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill is October 16 LWSD electric bus ribbon cutting LWSF seminars and stories Excellence in Action video series returns Exceptional Experiences for Each Learner LWSD Board of Directors approves two ballot measures for February 10, 2026 election On Monday, the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors unanimously voted to place two levy renewals on the February 2026 ballot: the replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and the replacement School Technology and Capital Projects levy. Like many districts across Washington, we rely on local levies to bridge the gap between what the state funds and what our district needs. These local dollars stay in our community and help care for schools across the entire district, making sure all students and staff can access updated facilities, spaces and technologies. Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy – This levy makes up about 16% of our overall budget. If renewed, funding will continue for the day-to-day operations of our schools. This includes teachers and staff, special education programs, multilingual programs, mental health supports, early learning, and activities like arts, music and athletics. School Technology & Capital Projects Levy – This levy provides funding for the technology our students and teachers use every day to support learning. If renewed, it also helps us keep school buildings safe and up to date. Our community previously approved the EP&O levy and School Technology and Capital Projects levy in 2022. The February 2026 levies would continue funding to support innovative learning in the classroom and ensure students have the technology they need for whatever next step they choose after high school. More information about the February 2026 measures will be shared in the coming weeks. You can also learn more at https://www.lwsd.org/2026-levies. Click on the image below to watch this short video for additional details about the levies: Learning focused UPDATE: Advanced Placement exam registration window extended to October 20 Registration and payment is open September 29, 2025, 12:01 a.m. until October 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. for Advanced Placement exams! It was originally scheduled to close on October 17, but that is a LEAP day. We encourage all students who want to take May 2026 AP exams to complete the registration on time and pay for their exams during this period.   Exam information, exam dates, costs, late registration windows/fees, and cancellation fees can all be found on our UPDATED​ LWSD Advanced Placement webpage.   *Please note* Exam registration and exam payment are separate required processes.  Students register for exam(s) via AP Central. AP teachers and the school’s AP coordinator will have the codes that students will use to register for each exam. Students pay via Online Payments or directly to the school bookkeeper. Students can pay for their exam(s) from now until October 20.    An AP Late Registration window will be offered in February. Students who register during this late window will pay an additional $50 per exam late fee in addition to the regular exam fee.    Private and homeschool students will request and register through Juanita High School's website and pay fees in-person to the bookkeeping office at JHS. Questions? Please contact your AP teacher and/or school’s Advanced Placement Coordinator:  Eastlake High School Cheryl Kenyon - ckenyon@lwsd.org Russell Berrett - rberrett@lwsd.org International Community School Meggan Houlihan - mhoulihan@lwsd.org Juanita High School Breck Ivy - bivy@lwsd.org Lake Washington High School Joe Joss - jjoss@lwsd.org Redmond High School Kasey Dauenhauer - kdauenhauer@lwsd.org Tesla STEM High School Heidi Cooperrider - hcooperrider@lwsd.org WANIC Skills Center Jana Robertson - jrobertson@lwsd.org Choice School application process opens November 1 at 8 a.m. - Information nights start soon Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.   Applications for Choice Schools and programs will open on November 1, 2025, at 8 a.m. via ParentSquare. Additional information about the application will be sent out soon. Schools will be hosting information nights soon. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details: https://www.lwsd.org/schools/choice-schools. Elementary ELA curriculum pilot resources available to review The Reading Advisory Committee has conducted a thorough evaluation of available K–5 ELA curricular resources, guided by years of calibration and shared learning, and grounded in research-based literacy practices, the ELA Common Core State Standards, and effective instructional strategies. As a result of this process, the committee has selected two curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026. These selections were made through a consensus process informed by rubric data, identified needs from The Reading League and advisory-generated criteria. The two curricula chosen for the pilot are: Benchmark Advance/Adelante McGraw Hill Emerge!/McGraw Hill Dual Literacy Teachers participating in the pilot will send communications to families prior to implementation. During the pilot, the committee will evaluate how each curriculum functions in daily classroom settings for both teachers and students. The review will focus on alignment with standards, evidence-based practices and inclusive instructional approaches. In addition, the committee will collect student performance data and gather feedback from students, teachers, caregivers and the broader community. Community, family and parent feedback is a vital part of this process, and we welcome your input. Starting September 22, 2025, digital access to both curricula will be available, along with physical samples at the LWSD Resource Center. You can explore the materials and submit feedback via the following link: Feedback survey linked here  Digital Access for Benchmark Advance click here (Username: lwsd_teacher, Password: password) Digital Access for McGraw Hill Emerge! click here (Username: ELALakewash1, Password: Lakewash1) Survey responses are anonymous and will help guide the Reading Advisory’s final recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board in spring 2026. We will offer an information session for the public on December 18, 2025, to share about the selection process and the curricula under consideration. If interested in attending, please stay tuned for the date and time that will be offered. If you have questions or comments, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K–5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist. Wear orange! Unity Day is on October 22 October 22 is Unity Day this year. Several schools and district buildings throughout LWSD will participate in events to come together against bullying, be united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Remember to wear orange on October 22! Reminder: World language proficiency testing LWSD offers in-person, world language proficiency testing for students in grades 8-12. These tests help students meet the “World Languages” graduation requirement. Students can earn up to four (4) high school credits. If they earn four credits, they are also eligible to earn the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript and diploma.   See below for test dates and locations. Students can take the test at any location. * Testing has a capacity of 200 students. Registration will close early if we reach capacity ahead of schedule.   You can register and find more information here. Questions? Contact the Assessment Team at AssessmentHelp@lwsd.org. Reminder: ENAEP Indigenous Peoples Day event October 13 Come celebrate the beauty of Indigenous people with the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP)! The event will have traditional drumming, dancing, singing and presentations from the students as well as families. Event details: October 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Washington High School Commons  This event is open to everyone! Click here to see this year’s ENAEP brochure.  Reminder: ENAEP Honoring Our Youth Powwow October 25 Come join in the Native community and the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) in honoring our youth! We are hosting a powwow to recognize our amazing youth. There will be vendors, concessions, dancing, powwow drumming, a raffle and more! Event details: Families are invited to a private event at 3 p.m. in the Juanita High School Commons area. Powwow grand entry at 6 p.m. at Juanita High School gymnasium. Reminder: WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon The WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon is a one-day event that is hosted in conjunction with the Congressional App Challenge. It is an opportunity for middle and high school students to work on applications that they may then submit to the Congressional App Challenge. Students can come with apps in beginning stages, or those that just need a final touch! At the App-A-Thon, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts about coding, technology and what is needed to build an app from start to finish. We will have mentors from the local technology community to assist in answering questions and solving problems. At the end of the day of the App-A-Thon, teams present their application to a judging panel to be considered for prizes.   After the App-A-Thon, teams are encouraged to submit their apps to the Congressional App Challenge. The winner of the App-A-Thon will not necessarily be the winner of the Congressional App Challenge, and vice versa. The App-A-Thon is an event to encourage participation in the Challenge.   The App-A-Thon will take place on October 11 at UW Bothell from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (final times TBA). Students can register for the App-A-Thon here.  District announcements National Custodian Day October 2 was National Custodian Day. Custodians are an important part of the team working behind the scenes to keep our buildings clean and safe. Thank you to our custodial staff for all the important work they do for our students and staff.  Great Washington ShakeOut is October 16 at 10:16 a.m Nearly 1,000,000 people around our state will practice how to drop, cover and hold during the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 16 at 10:16 a.m. Learn more here: https://www.shakeout.org/washington/index.html. Reminder: LWSD partners with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu & COVID shot clinics in October LWSD is partnering with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu and COVID vaccine clinics throughout October. The exact products available will be the Flucelvax Trivalent Preservative-Free Flu Vaccine and the newly updated 2025 Moderna Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), which protects against the LP.8.1 strain of the virus. Flu shots can be provided to those ages 4+, but patients must be at least 5 years old for COVID vaccines. Flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the following five locations: Wednesday, October 15, 2-7 p.m. at Inglewood M.S. (24120 NE 8th St. Sammamish) Friday, October 17, 1-5 p.m. at LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th ST, Redmond)  Monday, October 20, 2-7 p.m. at Rose Hill M.S. (13505 N.E. 75th ST., Redmond) Friday, October 24, 2:30-7 p.m. at Kamiakin M.S. (14111 132nd Ave N.E., Kirkland) Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Redmond H.S. (17272 NE 104th St, Redmond) Register here: https://schedule.seattlevna.com/home/b2e67bfb-a83a-ed11-9db1-6045bd0054d4. Important information: Each patient needs their own individual appointment registration, in their legal name, completed with their individual information. For records reporting purposes, please ensure the accuracy of your demographic information, including your name and date of birth. For example, a family of four will need four separate appointments. If you are unable to schedule all family members in the same time slot, please register the remaining members in the closest available time slot. You may all still come to the clinic at the same time. Please have your confirmation code ready. The confirmation code will be included in your confirmation text message and email. As of September 4, 2025, Washington State has signed a public health order which allows all Washington residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of health conditions, and expands vaccine access beyond current FDA/CDC recommendations. The Washington State Department of Health recommends COVID vaccinations this season for everyone age 6 months and older.  If you have an approved insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid, you must provide this information during registration, and we will bill your insurance. You will not be charged a co-pay or deductible.  Patients without an active, accepted insurance plan may pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. Cash rates for the 2025 season are $55 per flu shot and $200 per COVID-19 immunization. Questions? Email info@seattlevna.com.  Reminder: First annual Juanita Unified 5K Get ready to lace up your running (or walking!) shoes – our first annual Juanita Unified 5K is coming up soon! This is more than just a race – it’s a chance to come together as a school community, show our support for inclusion and have some fun along the way.   Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or a cheerleader on the sidelines, we’d love to have you be part of this special event. Staff, students, families and community members are all invited to participate! Event date: Saturday October 11 Location: Juanita High School Who can join: Everyone – staff, students, families and friends! For more info: Juanita Unified 5K - Heroes Run Here. Sustainability corner Lake Washington School District goes electric! On September 24, LWSD celebrated the arrival of four new electric school buses with a ribbon-cutting event at Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Special guests including Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen, Rep. Suzan DelBene and Rep. Dr. Kim Schrier gathered to mark this exciting step toward sustainability. Guests toured the bus and enjoyed a short ride through Redmond, showcasing the future of clean student transportation. These state-of-the-art buses – two large and two small with wheelchair stations – were funded through federal and state grants supporting zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure. Learn more. Click on the image below to watch the video to learn more: Lake Washington Schools Foundation LWSD students need your help! This year, LWSF’s All in for Kids campaign is focused on raising vital funds for Pantry Packs – an LWSF program that purchases, packs and distributes more than 36,000 weekend food packs to meet the needs of a growing number of LWSD students facing hunger.​ Together, we can ensure no student goes hungry. Donate today to make a lasting impact: www.lwsf.org/all-in-for-kids. Kennedy and Yuwan show us what's possible LWSF strives to remove barriers by providing scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors at the Students of Color Conference – an empowering event designed for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) high school students in Lake Washington School District (LWSD).​ Learn about two recent winners, Kennedy Roberts and Yuwan Luo. Read their stories here. Social Emotional Learning isn't just for kids! Are you a parent and caregiver looking to deepen family connections, improve communication and tackle parenting challenges with patience and calm? Join LWSF at their Social Emotional Learning for Parents workshop starting October 16!  Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/sel-for-parents. Free college planning events from local college counselor Mary Pat O'Neil LWSF’s Find Your Fit Program is offering free events to support high school families as they navigate the college planning and application process: October 11 & November 9: Get Personalized Feedback on your College Essay October 20: Money Matters: A Parent's Guide November 5: Standardized Testing Update for High School Families And more to be added soon! For more details and to register, visit www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit.  ParentEd Talks: Free parent education webinars for families LWSF is pleased to offer another year of ParentEd Talks through ParentMap, for free, to the entire LWSD community.​ ​Featuring renowned parenting experts, these virtual webinars will dive into essential topics such as building resilience, navigating screen time, fostering independence and youth mental health.  For details and registration, visit www.lwsf.org/ParentEd-Talks. Building Excellence Juanita High School Aquatics Center receives third Parks Levy Grant from King County Council The King County Council announced that the Juanita High School Aquatics Center was one of 56 projects selected for the 2025 Parks Levy Grant. The Juanita High School Aquatics Renovation, Phase 3 project will receive $2 million from King County Parks. The district must provide at least 50% of the total project cost to qualify for this grant. The district’s share will be funded by the voter-approved 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy. We anticipate Phase 3 work will begin in Summer 2026. In February 2022, the District received the first award for Juanita High School Aquatics Renovations, Phase 1 project. This initial $1.8 million grant provided partial funding for initial life-cycle upgrades which included replacement of HVAC and pool equipment that were beyond its useful life, provided ADA upgrades, and replaced the roofing system. Phase 1 work began in Spring 2023 and will be completed soon.  In September 2023, LWSD received its second award for Juanita High School Aquatics Renovations, Phase 2 project. This $2 million grant provided partial funding for life-cycle upgrades at the Juanita High School Pool by replacing pool equipment that is beyond its useful life, providing ADA upgrades, upgrading pool viewing area, upgrading pool deck surface, and replacing the building controls and pool lighting. In total, the work of Lake Washington School District’s Capital Projects team in applying for these grants has offset $5.8 million of costs on the project to renovate the Juanita Aquatics Center. The Aquatic Facilities grant program, funded by the King County voter-approved 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy, helps communities preserve and increase public access to public pools as our region grows and existing facilities become obsolete or reach capacity. This grant program funds activities related to the renovation or expansion of existing facilities or construction of new aquatic facilities in King County.  This project is one of 56 Parks Levy Grants this year, totaling over $31 million in new awards.  Student & staff success Lake Washington School District's Excellence in Action video series is back! LWSD appreciates the hard work and dedication that each of its staff members puts in each day. That’s why Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen is excited to give our staff the opportunity to be recognized with the Excellence in Action video series. One staff member will be chosen each month to feature in a video that showcases the work that they do. This year, we are adding a student component that will debut later this month. The first staff member we are highlighting this school year is Belia Lopez, custodian at the LWSD Resource Center. Belia’s daily work shows how the “Future Ready Mindsets” can be realized in our daily work. Her perseverance keeps our spaces welcoming and cared for, and her adaptability helps her meet the changing needs of a busy central office. Congrats to Belia! You can view the video on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Oct 09 2025

Connections - September 25, 2025: Join us! Apply no...

Read the website accessible version here September 25, 2025 Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue Apply now for LWSD advisory committee or workgroup AP exam registration opens September 29 World language proficiency testing dates and locations New & International Families Welcome Event ENAEP Indigenous Peoples Day and powwow events Congressional App-A-Thon Flu & COVID shot clinics Juanita Unified 5K Earthquake preparedness Building Excellence update Student & staff success Exceptional Experiences for Each Learner Join us! Apply for one of several advisory committees or workgroups Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will have several advisory committees and workgroups during the 2025-26 school year. We are seeking diverse perspectives from our community. Workgroups will include parents, students, community members, seniors, members of the business community, PTA members and staff. The commitment varies depending on the group. Most meetings will take place on Thursday evenings at least once per month. If you are interested in supporting the work of one of these committees/workgroups, please complete this application form by September 30, 2025: https://forms.office.com/r/s7gZuS1Ygv. Details about each committee/workgroup are available here: Committees - Lake Washington School District. Learning focused Advanced Placement exam registration information for 2025-26 school year Registration and payment is open September 29, 2025, 12:01 a.m. until October 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. for Advanced Placement exams! We encourage all students who want to take May 2026 AP exams to complete the registration on time and pay for their exams during this period.   Exam information, exam dates, costs, late registration windows/fees, and cancellation fees can all be found on our UPDATED​ LWSD Advanced Placement webpage.   *Please note* Exam registration and exam payment are separate required processes.  Students register for exam(s) via AP Central. AP teachers and the school’s AP coordinator will have the codes that students will use to register for each exam. Students pay via Online Payments or directly to the school bookkeeper. Students can pay for their exam(s) from now until October 17.    An AP Late Registration window will be offered in February. Students who register during this late window will pay an additional $50 per exam late fee in addition to the regular exam fee.    Private and homeschool students will request and register through Juanita High School's website and pay fees in-person to the bookkeeping office at JHS. Questions? Please contact your AP teacher and/or school’s Advanced Placement Coordinator:  Eastlake High School Cheryl Kenyon - ckenyon@lwsd.org Russell Berrett - rberrett@lwsd.org International Community School Meggan Houlihan - mhoulihan@lwsd.org Juanita High School Breck Ivy - bivy@lwsd.org Lake Washington High School Joe Joss - jjoss@lwsd.org Redmond High School Christine McMillan - cmcmillan@lwsd.org Tesla STEM High School Heidi Cooperrider - hcooperrider@lwsd.org WANIC Skills Center Jana Robertson - jrobertson@lwsd.org World language proficiency testing LWSD offers in-person, world language proficiency testing for students in grades 8-12. These tests help students meet the “World Languages” graduation requirement. Students can earn up to four (4) high school credits. If they earn four credits, they are also eligible to earn the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript and diploma.   See below for test dates and locations. Students can take the test at any location. * Testing has a capacity of 200 students. Registration will close early if we reach capacity ahead of schedule.   You can register and find more information here. Questions? Contact the Assessment Team at AssessmentHelp@lwsd.org. New & International Families Welcome Event – October 8 from 4-7 p.m. Lake Washington PTSA Council, in coordination with Lake Washington School District, is hosting our 9th annual Welcome Event for New and International families on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 4-7 p.m. at the LWSD Resource Center. Speakers will present information in the Board Room from 5-6:30 p.m. A community resource fair will take place from 4-7 p.m. in the lobby of the Resource Center. Our welcome events are a great opportunity for families to learn about the school district, ask questions and meet other LWSD families. Topics will include an introduction to Lake Washington School District, information about family support services and engagement opportunities, and insights into multilingual programs and resources. If you would like to request an interpreter for the event, please contact Shannon Parthemer (sparthemer@lwsd.org), for other questions contact Danish Majeed (FACE@lwptsa.net). ENAEP Indigenous Peoples Day event October 13 Come celebrate the beauty of Indigenous people with the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP)! The event will have traditional drumming, dancing, singing and presentations from the students as well as families. Event details: October 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Washington High School Commons  This event is open to everyone! Click here to see this year’s ENAEP brochure.  ENAEP Honoring Our Youth Powwow October 25 Come join in the Native community and the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) in honoring our youth! We are hosting a powwow to recognize our amazing youth. There will be vendors, concessions, dancing, powwow drumming, a raffle and more! Event details: Families are invited to a private event at 3 p.m. in the Juanita High School Commons area. Powwow grand entry at 6 p.m. at Juanita High School gymnasium. WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon The WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon is a one-day event that is hosted in conjunction with the Congressional App Challenge. It is an opportunity for middle and high school students to work on applications that they may then submit to the Congressional App Challenge. Students can come with apps in beginning stages, or those that just need a final touch! At the App-A-Thon, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts about coding, technology and what is needed to build an app from start to finish. We will have mentors from the local technology community to assist in answering questions and solving problems. At the end of the day of the App-A-Thon, teams present their application to a judging panel to be considered for prizes.   After the App-A-Thon, teams are encouraged to submit their apps to the Congressional App Challenge. The winner of the App-A-Thon will not necessarily be the winner of the Congressional App Challenge, and vice versa. The App-A-Thon is an event to encourage participation in the Challenge.   The App-A-Thon will take place on October 11 at UW Bothell from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (final times TBA). Students can register for the App-A-Thon here.  Reminder: Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook The Lake Washington School District Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is now available on our district website.   Our mission is that every student will graduate prepared to lead a rewarding, responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society. A key part of this mission is creating a positive, harmonious environment where diversity is respected and encouraged.   The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is designed to help students, families, teachers and staff understand the district’s expectations. It summarizes laws, regulations and district policies related to student rights, responsibilities, discipline and due process. These expectations reinforce our mission and values by promoting mutual respect, responsibility and inclusion in daily school life.   We encourage you to review this resource as we partner together to support a safe, respectful and thriving learning environment for all students. To view the handbook in your preferred language, simply select the Globe icon "Translate" at the top of the webpage. Reminder: LWSD continues partnership with Care Solace Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited to partner with you in supporting every student’s learning, growth and well-being.   As we step into the year ahead, we know that balancing school, family and life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Please remember that you are not alone, our district continues to partner with Care Solace, a free and confidential service that helps students, families and staff quickly connect with mental health and wellness supports.   Through Care Solace, you can: Receive 24/7/365 live support in any language. Be matched with local or virtual providers based on your needs. Get help navigating insurance or finding options without insurance. You can access support at any time by visiting: caresolace.com/lakewashingtonsd We encourage you to save this link as a resource throughout the year and share it with anyone who may benefit. Together, we can create the conditions where students and families feel supported, connected and ready to thrive. District announcements LWSD partners with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu & COVID shot clinics in October LWSD is partnering with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu and COVID vaccine clinics throughout October. The exact products available will be the Flucelvax Trivalent Preservative-Free Flu Vaccine and the newly updated 2025 Moderna Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), which protects against the LP.8.1 strain of the virus. Flu shots can be provided to those ages 4+, but patients must be at least 5 years old for COVID vaccines. Flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the following five locations: Wednesday, October 15, 2-7 p.m. at Inglewood M.S. (24120 NE 8th St. Sammamish) Friday, October 17, 1-5 p.m. at LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th ST, Redmond)  Monday, October 20, 2-7 p.m. at Rose Hill M.S. (13505 N.E. 75th ST., Redmond) Friday, October 24, 2:30-7 p.m. at Kamiakin M.S. (14111 132nd Ave N.E., Kirkland) Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Redmond H.S. (17272 NE 104th St, Redmond) Register here: https://schedule.seattlevna.com/home/b2e67bfb-a83a-ed11-9db1-6045bd0054d4. Important information: Each patient needs their own individual appointment registration, in their legal name, completed with their individual information. For records reporting purposes, please ensure the accuracy of your demographic information, including your name and date of birth. For example, a family of four will need four separate appointments. If you are unable to schedule all family members in the same time slot, please register the remaining members in the closest available time slot. You may all still come to the clinic at the same time. Please have your confirmation code ready. The confirmation code will be included in your confirmation text message and email. As of September 4, 2025, Washington State has signed a public health order which allows all Washington residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of health conditions, and expands vaccine access beyond current FDA/CDC recommendations. The Washington State Department of Health recommends COVID vaccinations this season for everyone age 6 months and older.  If you have an approved insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid, you must provide this information during registration, and we will bill your insurance. You will not be charged a co-pay or deductible.  Patients without an active, accepted insurance plan may pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. Cash rates for the 2025 season are $55 per flu shot and $200 per COVID-19 immunization. Questions? Email info@seattlevna.com.  First annual Juanita Unified 5K Get ready to lace up your running (or walking!) shoes – our first annual Juanita Unified 5K is coming up soon! This is more than just a race – it’s a chance to come together as a school community, show our support for inclusion and have some fun along the way.   Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or a cheerleader on the sidelines, we’d love to have you be part of this special event. Staff, students, families and community members are all invited to participate! Event date: Saturday October 11 Location: Juanita High School Who can join: Everyone – staff, students, families and friends! For more info: Juanita Unified 5K - Heroes Run Here. Safety corner Practice makes…prepared – Earthquake preparedness in LWSD Each October, Lake Washington School District participates in the Great Washington ShakeOut, a state-wide earthquake preparedness drill. This year, the Great Washington ShakeOut will take place on October 16 at 10:16 a.m. Participation in this drill is required at all schools and district facilities. The goal is to practice skills that can provide protection during an earthquake. Specifically, students will be taught to duck, cover and hold. Do you know what to do in an earthquake? If you feel shaking, or get an alert – Drop, Cover and Hold on (as you are able). Here is a description of these steps from Ready.gov. Drop – Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops. Cover – Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs. Hold On – If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands. Here is a graphic with additional details and modifications: Additional earthquake preparedness resources: Great Washington ShakeOut - The Great Washington ShakeOut - Get Ready! Emergency Management Department - Preparedness Earthquakes | Ready.gov Building Excellence Thank you, voters! Rebuild & Enlarge Project at Rockwell Elementary makes progress Over the summer, construction teams made progress on the project to rebuild and enlarge Rockwell Elementary. This project is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy approved by voters. Lydig Construction added larger viewing windows to the safety fencing surrounding Rockwell Elementary so students can have a better look at the action as their new school takes shape. Think of it as a "construction theater," where every day brings something new for our students to watch. The new school is growing every day, and the latest milestone is a big one. The building foundation walls are now complete. These short concrete walls are very strong for their size and give the building the support it needs. From here, the rest of the school will start to rise and take shape. Learn more about the Rebuild and Enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary here: Rebuild and Enlarge Rockwell Elementary - Lake Washington School District. Contractors at Eastlake High School give a special tour of the construction area Students at Eastlake High School recently had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour to observe a concrete pour in the former library area, part of an ongoing effort to connect the first floor to the E-wing. Special Education staff and building administrators requested this opportunity to provide students with a greater understanding of the construction project which has brought additional personnel on campus and created some noise and disruption near classrooms. The contractors working on the Eastlake High School addition welcomed students and provided them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the construction process and upcoming changes to their campus. Learn more about the addition at Eastlake High School here: Eastlake High School addition - Lake Washington School District. Student & staff success Best of the best – Redmond High teacher wins chemistry society award Over the summer, Brian Schnierer, chemistry teacher at Redmond High School, won the American Chemical Society’s Puget Sound Section 2025 High School Teacher of the Year award. The award is given to nominees who demonstrate quality in their teaching, an ability to inspire and challenge students, and extracurricular work in chemistry or a chemical science. The award comes with $250 cash plus $750 for science supplies, and an invitation to the awards dinner that takes place on September 27 at Renton Technical College.  Read more on the LWSD website.  Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Sep 25 2025

Connections - September 12, 2025: New Strategic Fram...

Read the website accessible version here September 12, 2025 Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue New Strategic Framework launch and video Highly Capable referral window now open Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook Care Solace for mental health support Lake Washington Schools Foundation news and events Building Excellence update Student & staff success Exceptional Experiences for Each Learner Lake Washington School District launches Strategic Framework What are the commitments we make to our students each day? Lake Washington School District launched its new Strategic Framework at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Watch this video from Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent, to learn more about the Strategic Framework and how it shares the district’s vision for our students, staff and organization. View the Strategic Framework document here. Learning focused Highly Capable (HiCap) referral window – Fall 2025 The referral window for Highly Capable (HiCap) service identification opened September 8, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. and runs through September 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Referrals are made through Skyward.  Universal screening years (grades 2 and 5): Students will automatically be screened. Families only need to complete Skyward if they wish to opt out. All other grades (K-1, 3-4, 6-8): Families must complete a Skyward notice to opt in if they want their child considered and placed. Please do not complete a referral if your student is currently receiving FTQ/MSQ services. Please check our site for more details regarding services. Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook The Lake Washington School District Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is now available on our district website.   Our mission is that every student will graduate prepared to lead a rewarding, responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society. A key part of this mission is creating a positive, harmonious environment where diversity is respected and encouraged.   The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is designed to help students, families, teachers and staff understand the district’s expectations. It summarizes laws, regulations and district policies related to student rights, responsibilities, discipline and due process. These expectations reinforce our mission and values by promoting mutual respect, responsibility and inclusion in daily school life.   We encourage you to review this resource as we partner together to support a safe, respectful and thriving learning environment for all students. To view the handbook in your preferred language, simply select the Globe icon "Translate" at the top of the webpage. LWSD continues partnership with Care Solace Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited to partner with you in supporting every student’s learning, growth and well-being.   As we step into the year ahead, we know that balancing school, family and life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Please remember that you are not alone, our district continues to partner with Care Solace, a free and confidential service that helps students, families and staff quickly connect with mental health and wellness supports.   Through Care Solace, you can: Receive 24/7/365 live support in any language. Be matched with local or virtual providers based on your needs. Get help navigating insurance or finding options without insurance. You can access support at any time by visiting: caresolace.com/lakewashingtonsd We encourage you to save this link as a resource throughout the year and share it with anyone who may benefit. Together, we can create the conditions where students and families feel supported, connected and ready to thrive. Reminder: View the 2025-26 school year calendar The 2025-26 LWSD school calendar is available on the district website. Here is a direct link to the PDF of the calendar from the site.  District announcements Reminder: Attention LWSD Families with School Bus Riders! We’re excited to introduce StopFinder, a powerful new mobile app designed to improve your experience with school transportation—and it’s fantastic! The Transportation Department has recently sent account activation emails to contacts associated with student riders. Please check your inbox and follow the instructions in the invitation to subscribe and download the app. StopFinder puts real-time bus information right at your fingertips, helping you stay informed and connected every step of the way. You can download the StopFinder app on your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play. Some key details: Student-linked account activation emails were only sent to contacts of students who are LWSD bus-riders. To be linked to your student-rider, you must be one of the two primary contacts listed in Skyward for that student. Other users can be added manually by the user once they activate their account (more information on the StopFinder app page). StopFinder account activation emails were sent to primary contacts who have NOT yet activated their account.  Account activation emails are only active for 30 days. If you need a new activation email sent, please notify transportation.  Check the LWSD Transportation page for other related information. This new LWSD transportation app, along with upgrades to our routing software, was funded by 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy, and we wanted to acknowledge and thank our LWSD district residents and voters for their continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District. Reminder: Speed safety cameras coming to school zones this fall This fall, the City of Redmond will launch its Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program. Speed safety cameras are measurement devices that detect vehicles violating a speed limit. They are a highly effective tool used to improve community safety by reducing speeding and potential collisions in areas where it matters most – like school zones and high-traffic intersections – which Redmond residents and community members have shared is a priority item. Speed safety cameras will be installed at: Redmond High School (17272 NE 104th Street) Redmond Middle School (10055 166th Avenue NE) Rose Hill Middle School (13505 NE 75th Street) The City expects these cameras to significantly improve compliance with school zone speed limits, creating a safer environment for students and families arriving, leaving, or walking near schools. Benefits of speed safety cameras: Classified as a proven safety countermeasure by the Federal Highway Administration. Reduce collisions by up to 54%. Reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by up to 47%. Improve the safety of children and other community members. Create funding for additional traffic safety improvements. Increase speed limit compliance. Promote responsible driving. Please note, a warning period will be in effect for the first 45 days of camera operation. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the posted school zone speed limit will receive a courtesy notice instead of a violation. The courtesy notice requires no payment or response but serves as a learning opportunity for drivers. Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping keep Redmond’s students, educators, and wider community safe.  Learn more about the Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program by viewing the flyer or by visiting redmond.gov/SpeedSafetyCameras. Reminder: Puget Sound Energy offers support for families and households in our district Lake Washington School District is committed to sustainability. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has programs available to our community to help manage energy usage and reduce monthly bills. Energy assistance programs Bill Discount Rate: Eligible customers can save between 5% and 45% on their monthly energy bills. Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP): Provides up to a $1,000 credit to help pay your energy bill. Applying for HELP also initiates an application for the Bill Discount Rate. Past Due Bill Forgiveness: Offers a fresh start by forgiving a portion of your past due balance. Home Weatherization Assistance: PSE partners with local agencies to provide free, whole-home upgrades that improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly costs. Energy efficiency rebates  PSE offers rebates on a variety of energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, including: Heating and cooling systems Smart thermostats Insulation and windows Additional programs (learn more at PSE.com) Community Solar Program: Save up to $240 per year on your electric bill by participating in PSE’s Community Solar program. Free shares from local solar projects are available to eligible customers. Tools to Track and Manage Energy Use: Access self-service tools that help you understand your home’s energy consumption and receive personalized tips to save energy. PSE Flex Program: Earn rewards by shifting your energy use away from peak demand times. This helps reduce strain on the grid and can lower your bill.  Click here to view the flyer (Spanish) and you can learn more at PSE.com. Reminder: Safety corner: District tip line Safety is one of our district’s top priorities. Our district uses Vector Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration five different ways: App: Search for “Vector Alert” in the App Store to download for free Phone: 425.529.5763 Text: Text your tip to 425.529.5763 Email: 1342@alert1.us Web: https://1342.alert1.us You can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, threats of violence or any safety issue you're concerned about through Vector Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use our district’s identification code: 1342 in your communication. Every tip Vector Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer. Together, using Vector Alert, we can make our district a safer place to work and learn! View this poster for more information. Reminder: 988 suicide and crisis lifeline 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress—whether that is thoughts of suicide, symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorder or other factors. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need these types of crisis supports. Lake Washington Schools Foundation Who is the Lake Washington Schools Foundation? The Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) partners with our community to remove barriers, support wellness, enhance learning and build connections so that every student in Lake Washington School District has the opportunity to thrive. From providing weekend food packs and mental health resources to funding enrichment programs, LWSF is here to make a difference in students’ lives. Want to hear inspiring stories and discover ways to support local students? Subscribe to LWSF emails at www.lwsf.org/subscribe. Filling backpacks, giving hope This year’s Back-to-School Supply Drive, led by LWSD in partnership with the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, showed the power of our community coming together to support students and families. Thanks to your generosity, donors contributed in countless ways—raising an impressive $15,589 for essential purchases, ordering items through the district’s Amazon Wishlist and dropping off brand-new school supplies at the Resource Center. On August 23, more than 2,000 students picked up these supplies at LWSD’s Back-to-School Jam, starting the new school year prepared, confident and ready to learn. Learn more at www.lwsf.org/news/filling-backpacks-giving-hope Become an LWSF Ambassador LWSF Ambassadors are dedicated adult volunteers who represent their school, champion Foundation programs and help every student thrive. By connecting your school community with LWSF’s mission, you’ll play a vital role in removing barriers, supporting wellness, enriching learning and building connections for all LWSD students. To learn more, visit www.lwsf.org/ambassadors or contact june@lwsf.org. Learn why Janene Panek became an LWSF Ambassador. ParentEd Talks are back! LWSF is excited to partner again with ParentMap to offer FREE access to ParentEd Talks - a series of expert-led parenting webinars providing trusted guidance, heartfelt inspiration and reassurance that you’re not alone on the parenting journey. This eight-part virtual series tackles today’s biggest parenting challenges, from youth mental health to ADHD to managing technology.   The 2025-26 series kicks off September 30 with nutritionist and Kids Eat in Color founder Jennifer Anderson, whose practical advice has earned her a following of 2M+ parents.   Register now for all eight live talks plus on-demand access to the full library. Use promo code LWSFNDN to claim your free tickets! LWSF welcomes four new trustees LWSF is excited to welcome four newly appointed Trustees to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation Board: Perchita Bhan, Lily Lawson, Manasi Sharma and Trevor Willett. The LWSF Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and steadfast support for our mission to help every student thrive.   Learn more about LWSF’s new and continuing Trustees at www.lwsf.org/trustees. Building Excellence Your tax dollars at work! Improvements funded by the 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy The 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy funds support technology needs for teaching, learning and business operations, as well as facility needs like maintaining major systems and ensuring health and safety compliance. During the 2024-25 school year and over the summer, Lake Washington School District’s Capital Projects team accomplished 65 different projects at schools and offices throughout the district. These included: 38 building system and improvement projects; 17 code, compliance, health and safety projects; Four school and program improvements; and Six athletics, fields and site improvement projects. Building system and improvement projects, including Electrical upgrades at Rockwell Elementary, the Resource Center and Support Services Envelope enhancements (siding) at the old Dickinson Elementary gymnasium Flooring improvements at seven schools HVAC control system upgrade at Inglewood Middle School HVAC upgrades at 12 schools Intercom upgrade at Blackwell Elementary Lighting improvements at Tesla STEM High School Plumbing improvements at five locations Program improvements at two schools Roofing improvements at the Support Services Annex Trash compactor upgrades at four schools Code, compliance, health & safety projects including: Access control upgrades at three schools ADA upgrades at Kamiakin Middle School Water bottle filling stations districtwide Safety improvements at four locations Security enhancements including emergency lockdown buttons School & program improvements, including: Readerboard upgrade at Eastlake High School Classroom conversion at Lakeview Elementary Addition of portable restroom and teacher planning space at Rose Hill Middle School Athletics, fields and site improvements, including: Field upgrades at Evergreen Middle School and Lake Washington High School Parking lot improvements at Inglewood Middle School Learn more about the 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects levy here. Wave Aquatics announces the reopening of the Juanita Aquatics Center Please join Wave Aquatics as they celebrate the reopening of the Juanita Aquatics Center on Saturday, September 20 from 12-4 p.m. This event will feature games, swimming and celebration! If you would like to attend our Grand Reopening Party, you can register ahead of time for free via this link: Grand Reopening Party Swim lessons Wave Aquatics is excited to announce that swim lessons will be starting again at the Juanita Aquatics Center for the upcoming Session 10. Session 10 will run from September 22 to October 19, and registration will be opening up on Wednesday, September 17. If you were enrolled in Session 2 swim lessons at Juanita, or are currently enrolled in Session 9 swim lessons at the Redmond Pool, you will have priority registration access starting on Monday, September 15.  Lap & family swim Wave Aquatics is also excited to announce that public swims will also be restarting as of September 22 at the Juanita Aquatics Center. Keep an eye out for a future announcement with information on the new public swim schedule and when you will be able to start signing up for those. Please reach out if you have additional questions, and we hope to see you soon at the Juanita Aquatics Center! Student & staff success 82 LWSD students named National Merit Semifinalists Eighty-two Lake Washington School District (LWSD) high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the semifinalists on Wednesday, September 10. Sixteen thousand high school seniors nationwide qualified. More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level. Approximately half will win a National Merit Scholarship. These students will be able to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $26 million. View the full list of LWSD students named National Merit Semifinalists here. Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Friday, Sep 12 2025

Connections - August 28, 2025: Welcome back! Importa...

Read the website accessible version here August 28, 2025 Welcome back! We are about ready to start the 2025-26 school year, and that means Connections is back. For those of you who are new to the district, Connections is our community newsletter that is sent out just about every two weeks, usually on Thursdays. You’ll find important information in each edition like district happenings, stories from around LWSD, and more.  Calendar information The page-per-month 2025-26 calendar is posted on the portal and the LWSD website. Here are a few key dates for the first two weeks of school: The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Tuesday, September 2. The first day for kindergarten is Friday, September 5 (staggered start). Kindergarten Family Connections days will run from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4. Elementary conferences will be held Tuesday, September 2, through Thursday, September 4. Grades 1-5 will have half days each of these days. The first day of preschool is Tuesday, September 9. Wednesday, September 3 is a full school day for grades 6-12, not a 90/105-minute early release day. The early release Wednesday schedule begins on Wednesday, September 10. Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. In this issue Extraordinary futures start today! Learn about LWSD's new strategic framework Canvas learning management system launches for all secondary schools Kindergarten Family Connections Back to school countdown on Facebook Inclusion Preschool openings New bus app - StopFinder New speed safety cameras coming this fall Congressional App Challenge - Computer science competition Find help with energy bills Vector Alert - Safety reporting service 988 suicide and crisis lifeline Volunteering Peachjar community flyers LWSD construction projects Student & staff success Learning focused Extraordinary Futures Start Today! Exceptional Experiences for each learner Dear Lake Washington School District Community, Extraordinary futures start today! As we continue our pursuit of excellence across Lake Washington School District, I’m excited to introduce our updated strategic framework, a guide for decision-making, the development of strategic initiatives and the foundation for who we are and what we stand for as an organization. This framework reflects our shared commitment to building a bright future for our students, staff and community. Throughout the 2023–24 school year, three representative groups made up of staff, administrators, students and community members collaborated to shape the LWSD Student Profile. This aspirational profile defines the mindsets and skills our students need to thrive in a complex, global, 21st-century world. It also provides a clear and consistent focus to align our efforts moving forward. Just as importantly, the profile identifies the staff practices and organizational principles essential to achieving our ultimate mission: success for every student. This new strategic framework includes several interconnected components designed to bring our vision for students to life: Our Values are the heart of the plan. The Student Profile is what we’re striving to achieve. Strategic Commitments anchor the framework. Strategic Cycles of Innovation drive how we will get there. Engagement and Data (KPIs) inform and enhance the framework and measure progress along the way. Together, these components form a comprehensive framework that will guide our district towards achieving a vision of excellence for our students. We are committed to working collaboratively with our community of stakeholders to ensure each student’s success and to provide exceptional educational experiences for every student. We look forward to this journey together and to all we will accomplish together on behalf of our students. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our district. Dr. Jon Holmen Superintendent Learn more: Strategic Framework - Lake Washington School District. Review the PDF version of the Framework here. Canvas corner Beginning this year, all LWSD secondary schools will be using Canvas as our official learning management system. This means Canvas will be the main digital hub for your student's classes — a place for assignments and course work. As a family member who supports a student in grades 6-12, here are a few things to know about Canvas at LWSD to launch into the new school year: Getting your family account: Your account (called an “Observer” account in Canvas) is created automatically using your contact information in Skyward’s Family Access. To log in for the first time, visit the LWSD Canvas Family site. Scroll down the page to “Logging in for the first time?” and you’ll see instructions for both online registration (web browser) and the Canvas Parent App. Quick video guides: The same webpage has short videos to help you get started. They cover logging in, finding your way around a course, and managing notifications. Translated videos are also available! Control your notifications: After logging in, your first step should be to set your notification preferences. By default, Canvas can send a lot of emails. To avoid being overwhelmed, you can choose exactly what you want to be notified about and how often. You can set these preferences for both email and the Parent App. See Canvas through the eyes of students: In the “For Students” tab, there are also videos for students by students! We are so proud of our LWSD students for making these videos, and they are really helpful for seeing some of the useful features that your student(s) engage with in Canvas and may even be a good conversation starter. This initiative is part of the 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy. We want to thank our LWSD community and voters for your continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District. Your support makes tools like this possible. Kindergarten Family Connections help students, families have a successful year The first day of school for grades 1-12 is on Tuesday, September 2. Students in Grades 1-5 will have half-days on September 2, 3 and 4 for elementary conferences. Kindergarten students will have Family Connection Meetings on September 2, 3 or 4. The first day of Kindergarten is Friday, September 5. Kindergarten families should expect to receive additional information from their school about their specific schedules. Need to know your school’s start and end time? Visit our school hours page on the LWSD website: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/families/school-hours. LWSD back to school countdown on Facebook We are excited to welcome back our students for the 2025-26 school year! As we all prepare for the first day of school, visit the LWSD Facebook page for a list of resources that will help prepare your student for school. Follow us as we count down to the first day of school! Inclusion preschool in Lake Washington School District Looking for a preschool for your 3- or 4 year-old? We are now enrolling for the 2025-26 school year! Our inclusion preschool program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education. LWSD preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. Your child must be three or four years old by August 31, 2025, and live within the Lake Washington School District boundaries. (Students who are 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025 must register for Kindergarten.) View the inclusion preschool flyer here. Visit the LWSD website for more information. District announcements Attention LWSD Families with School Bus Riders! We’re excited to introduce StopFinder, a powerful new mobile app designed to improve your experience with school transportation—and it’s fantastic! The Transportation Department has recently sent account activation emails to contacts associated with student riders. Please check your inbox and follow the instructions in the invitation to subscribe and download the app. StopFinder puts real-time bus information right at your fingertips, helping you stay informed and connected every step of the way. You can download the StopFinder app on your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play. Some key details: Student-linked account activation emails were only sent to contacts of students who are LWSD bus-riders. To be linked to your student-rider, you must be one of the two primary contacts listed in Skyward for that student. Other users can be added manually by the user once they activate their account (more information on the StopFinder app page). StopFinder account activation emails were sent to primary contacts who have NOT yet activated their account.  Account activation emails are only active for 30 days. If you need a new activation email sent, please notify transportation.  Check the LWSD Transportation page for other related information. This new LWSD transportation app, along with upgrades to our routing software, was funded by 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy, and we wanted to acknowledge and thank our LWSD district residents and voters for their continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District. Drivers: Know the laws about school bus safety A message from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Across the state, students are preparing to return to their classrooms for another year of learning and school transportation teams are ensuring their buses are ready to safely transport students each day.   A survey recently released by The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) suggests drivers need reminding of the laws about school bus safety.   Since 2011, school bus drivers from across the country have participated in the NASDPTS one-day survey, which aims to determine how many motorists illegally pass stopped school buses. More than 114,000 school bus drivers participated in the 2025 survey, including over 3,000 in Washington state.   During the one-day survey, Washington school bus drivers documented 1,156 instances of drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus. Multiplied by the number of days in the school year, the survey results indicate that drivers are illegally passing a school bus in Washington state more than 200,000 times per year. Nationwide, drivers reported the total for the one-day survey was 67,258.  Click here to read more. Speed safety cameras coming to school zones this fall This fall, the City of Redmond will launch its Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program. Speed safety cameras are measurement devices that detect vehicles violating a speed limit. They are a highly effective tool used to improve community safety by reducing speeding and potential collisions in areas where it matters most – like school zones and high-traffic intersections – which Redmond residents and community members have shared is a priority item. Speed safety cameras will be installed at: Redmond High School (17272 NE 104th Street) Redmond Middle School (10055 166th Avenue NE) Rose Hill Middle School (13505 NE 75th Street) The City expects these cameras to significantly improve compliance with school zone speed limits, creating a safer environment for students and families arriving, leaving, or walking near schools. Benefits of speed safety cameras: Classified as a proven safety countermeasure by the Federal Highway Administration. Reduce collisions by up to 54%. Reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by up to 47%. Improve the safety of children and other community members. Create funding for additional traffic safety improvements. Increase speed limit compliance. Promote responsible driving. Please note, a warning period will be in effect for the first 45 days of camera operation. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the posted school zone speed limit will receive a courtesy notice instead of a violation. The courtesy notice requires no payment or response but serves as a learning opportunity for drivers. Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping keep Redmond’s students, educators, and wider community safe.  Learn more about the Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program by viewing the flyer or by visiting redmond.gov/SpeedSafetyCameras. 2025 Congressional App Challenge The Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the House of Representatives. Since its inception in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge has grown to become the most prestigious prize in computer science. Over 50,000 students have participated in the Congressional App Challenge across 374 Congressional Districts in 50 states and five U.S. territories. This year, Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) will be participating in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. From May 1 to October 30, Rep. Schrier will be hosting a Congressional App Challenge for middle school and high school students of all coding skills in Washington’s 8th congressional district. Students can submit any coded project built on any platform. The Congressional App Challenge urges all students to enter the competition, as it encourages critical thinking and creativity for those of all computer science experience levels. View the flyer for more information.  Puget Sound Energy offers support for families and households in our district Lake Washington School District is committed to sustainability. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has programs available to our community to help manage energy usage and reduce monthly bills. Energy assistance programs Bill Discount Rate: Eligible customers can save between 5% and 45% on their monthly energy bills. Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP): Provides up to a $1,000 credit to help pay your energy bill. Applying for HELP also initiates an application for the Bill Discount Rate. Past Due Bill Forgiveness: Offers a fresh start by forgiving a portion of your past due balance. Home Weatherization Assistance: PSE partners with local agencies to provide free, whole-home upgrades that improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly costs. Energy efficiency rebates  PSE offers rebates on a variety of energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, including: Heating and cooling systems Smart thermostats Insulation and windows Additional programs (learn more at PSE.com) Community Solar Program: Save up to $240 per year on your electric bill by participating in PSE’s Community Solar program. Free shares from local solar projects are available to eligible customers. Tools to Track and Manage Energy Use: Access self-service tools that help you understand your home’s energy consumption and receive personalized tips to save energy. PSE Flex Program: Earn rewards by shifting your energy use away from peak demand times. This helps reduce strain on the grid and can lower your bill.   Click here to view the flyer (Spanish) and you can learn more at PSE.com. Safety corner: District tip line Safety is one of our district’s top priorities. Our district uses Vector Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration five different ways: App: Search for “Vector Alert” in the App Store to download for free Phone: 425.529.5763 Text: Text your tip to 425.529.5763 Email: 1342@alert1.us Web: https://1342.alert1.us You can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, threats of violence or any safety issue you're concerned about through Vector Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use our district’s identification code: 1342 in your communication. Every tip Vector Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer. Together, using Vector Alert, we can make our district a safer place to work and learn! View this poster for more information. 988 suicide and crisis lifeline 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress—whether that is thoughts of suicide, symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorder or other factors. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need these types of crisis supports. Volunteering in fall 2025 If you would like to volunteer in our schools in the fall, please make sure your volunteer status is current. Contact Chris Robison (crobison@lwsd.org) if you have any questions about your approval status.  If you’ve let your volunteer approval status lapse or you need to apply for the first time, please submit the application NOW! Here is the link to the Raptor online volunteer application. Peachjar to deliver community electronic flyers LWSD will continue using the Peachjar eflyer service this school year. Peachjar distributes eflyers from nonprofit organizations as well as from schools and school-related organizations directly to parent email inboxes. If you are new to LWSD, you will receive a welcome email from Peachjar that gives instructions on how to manage flyer delivery preferences. Learn more about Peachjar on the district website.  Building Excellence Your tax dollars at work! Summer progress on 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy projects Over the summer, construction teams made progress on three major projects for the 2025-26 school year: rebuilding and enlarging Rockwell Elementary, and additions at Eastlake High School (EHS) and Redmond High School (RHS). These projects are funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy approved by voters. Rebuild & Enlarge Rockwell Elementary: Installed aggregate piers to support the new building. Concrete foundation work is complete. The stormwater system is underway and designed to handle major storms and protect downstream properties from flooding. Additions at Eastlake High School (EHS) & Redmond High School (RHS): EHS will have 12 new classrooms and support spaces in the north wing. RHS will have 10 new classrooms and support spaces in a new two-story renovation of the administration wing. Temporary portables were added to both schools to house various functions during construction. Both additions are scheduled to open in 2026. Learn more: Rockwell Elementary Rebuild & Enlarge | EHS Addition | RHS Addition Student & staff success Three LWSD schools recognized nationally as PTA Schools of Excellence National PTA has recognized Keller Elementary, Redmond Middle School and Wilder Elementary as 2024-26 Schools of Excellence. These schools are three of only 330 PTAs and schools nationwide to be recognized with this designation. They received this recognition for their accomplishments in building a strong, effective family-school partnership that is enriching the educational experience and overall well-being of all students. Read more about this on the LWSD website. Eastlake High School students lead sustainability initiative Eastlake High School junior and EHS PTSA Sustainability Co-Chair Haarika Nidadavolu, along with her fellow co-chairs and student volunteers, are spearheading an educational initiative aimed at making sustainability a daily practice for students. The team is dedicated to developing educational materials and delivering presentations at local schools, with plans to expand their efforts to reach a wider audience. Read more about this on the LWSD website. Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, X Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Thursday, Aug 28 2025

Connections - June 20, 2025: Congratulations, gradua...

Read the website accessible version here June 20, 2025 In this issue Congratulations, Class of 2025! Message from Superintendent Jon Holmen Celebrating LWSD retirees PSAT/SAT testing info for 2025-26 Volunteering in the fall LWSF funds mental health awareness, clears senior meal debt and celebrates 20-year anniversary Student & staff success Work with us We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:  Nurses  Instructional Assistants (IAs)  Paraeducators  Custodians  Bus Drivers  Substitutes  These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings. Learning focused Congratulations, Class of 2025! More than 2,250 LWSD students will be graduating this year. On June 16 and 17, graduating students from six of our high schools were handed their diplomas at Alaska Airlines Arena at University of Washington in Seattle. Throughout graduation season, follow our Facebook page and district website for pictures and videos of these once-in-a-lifetime ceremonies, along with grad walks that took place at our elementary and middle schools. A message from Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen As we bring the 2024–25 academic year to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our graduating students. This year’s message to the Class of 2025 reflects on the unique challenges they’ve faced. Challenges that demanded resilience, determination and empathy. These exceptional students have risen to the occasion, and their accomplishments speak volumes. It is with immense pride that I share my letter with this remarkable graduating class. Congratulations to each one of you! Read more of this message from Dr. Holmen on the LWSD website. Celebrating our LWSD 2024-25 retirees Lake Washington School District has created a presentation honoring all the 2024-25 school year retirees. We want to thank all our retirees for their years of tireless work with the district, and we wish them luck with whatever retirement holds for them. View the video by clicking this link. Inclusion preschool in Lake Washington School District Looking for a preschool for your 3- or 4 year-old? We are now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year! Our inclusion preschool program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education. LWSD preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. Your child must be three or four years old by August 31, 2025, and live within the Lake Washington School District boundaries. (Students who are 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025 must register for Kindergarten.) View the inclusion preschool flyer here. Visit the LWSD website for more information. PSAT/SAT testing information for 2025-26 Attention High School Students and Families! Lake Washington School District will host the annual school day PSAT and SAT event on Friday, October 24. All 10th Graders are automatically registered for the PSAT, and no payment is required. 11th Graders can sign up to take the PSAT for a fee of $18. 12th Graders can sign up to take the SAT for a fee of $60. Registration and payment for 11th and 12th graders opens in August at each high school and closes for all students on September 26. More details will come from each high school when school starts in the fall. Accommodations for students with disabilities Students who need accommodations for the PSAT or SAT must complete the Parent Consent Form from College Board. You can find the form here: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/ssd-online/submit-requests. If your student has previously been approved for College Board accommodations (e.g., PSAT, SAT, AP) you do not need to resubmit this form. Please work directly with your school's Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator to make sure your accommodation requests are submitted and approved before test day. Volunteering in fall 2025 If you would like to volunteer in our schools in the fall, please make sure your volunteer status is current. Contact Chris Robison (crobison@lwsd.org) if you have any questions about your approval status.  If you’ve let your volunteer approval status lapse or you need to apply for the first time, please submit the application NOW! Here is the link to the Raptor online volunteer application. Reminder: Results from Smarter Balanced Assessments will be available online on June 24 Each spring, Washington public school students in third through eighth grades and 10th grade are tested in English language arts (ELA) and math, with exams called Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Students in fifth grade, eighth grade and 11th grade are also tested in science, with an exam called the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). This testing meets state and federal requirements. Individual scores for the SBA exams administered this past spring for ELA and math are being delivered electronically from the testing vendor. Scores (level and scale score) will be added to Skyward Family Access on June 24. Full-page PDF reports with more scoring details will be available from OSPI in the fall, and these will be shared with families at that time. Only SBA ELA and math scores will be available in June. Science scores will not be available until the fall after OSPI releases those scores. Directions to access SBA test scores beginning on June 24: Log in to Skyward Family Access with your username and password.* Click on the Test Results tile.   *For help accessing Skyward Family Access, click on the link to go to the Skyward Family Access Support page on the district website: https://www.lwsd.org/help/skyward-family-access. Reminder: 2025 end-of-year technology reminders for students and families Laptops Current students in 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades should plan to take their laptop home for use over the summer. 8th and 12th grade students turn in your laptops at the designated time determined by the school (unless you will be participating in Summer School). Incoming 6th and 9th graders will be issued brand new laptops at the start of school in September. Look for information in August for laptop rollout dates from your school. Seniors Make plans to copy and save any digital files you want to keep after graduation to a personal device/account prior to your last day of school. You will not have access to your district email or files after the last day of school. Password information Secondary Student passwords will expire every 90 days (including during summertime) based on the district security cycle. Please take steps to remember your password or sign up for self-service password reset now. This includes current 5th grade students who will be moving up to 6th grade Middle School. Secondary Student Passwords will not be reset for the start of school 2025-26. Elementary student passwords will be reset for the new school year in August. Password guidelines can be found on the district website here: Technology Services - Lake Washington School District. Summer school If you will be participating in Summer School keep your laptop over summer. For those in elementary school, check out a laptop from the school library. Information about Summer School can be found here: Summer Programs - Lake Washington School District. Summer access to digital resources Access to digital resources over the summer months varies depending on the vendor and application. Students can continue to use Classlink to access resources during summer; however, some applications may not be available due to provisioning requirements for the next school year. Summer technology help Contact Family Technology Access for school related technology questions at ftaccess@lwsd.org or by phone at 425-936-1322. Reminder: Head Start preschool in Lake Washington School District Lake Washington School District offers Head Start preschool for income-eligible families at Bell Elementary and Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Head Start preschool is a federally funded service for children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families that supports early learning, health, nutrition and family well-being. Head Start preschool includes a 3.5-hour developmentally appropriate preschool with trained staff, two nutritional meals, health and developmental screenings, wrap-around family support services and transportation at no cost to eligible families. Head Start preschool hours (2025-26) AM class: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or PM class: 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. Head Start locations: A.G. Bell (for Kirkland residents) and Old Redmond Schoolhouse (for Redmond residents) To apply for Head Start preschool, parents/guardians must: Complete an application:(English) preschool application | instructions | (Spanish) aplicación de preescolar | instrucciones Verify income as indicated on the application. Make sure the child is up to date on required immunizations. Questions? Call the Head Start office at 425-936-1170, option 2. Reminder: Canvas to be rolled out as learning management system for 2025-26 school year This school year, Inglewood Middle School and Lake Washington High School used Canvas as their learning management system (LMS). Their success has paved the way for LWSD’s full adoption of Canvas as the official LMS for all secondary schools starting with the 2025-26 school year. Canvas is funded by the 2022 Technology and Capital Projects Levy. If you are a family member who supports a student in grades 6-12, here are a few things to know about Canvas at LWSD: Anyone who supports a student in Canvas is called an “Observer." Only secondary (grades 6-12) students and staff will be using Canvas. All Observer accounts will be created automatically and paired with their student(s) using Primary Contact Email in Skyward. So, please validate that LWSD has your correct information before the start of the 25/26 school year. Check out the Canvas for families page on our district website for the most up-to-date information and resources related to supporting your students via Canvas. District announcements Reminder: Student health plans, medications and immunization records Lake Washington School District is committed to the health and wellness of our students. Each school has a registered nurse available to provide a range of services. At the beginning of each school year, nurses collect student health information to plan for needs during the school day. As we plan for the 2025-26 school year, we want to remind everyone of a couple important health-related items.   Individual Health Plans & Medication Authorizations If your student has a life-threatening health condition, the following requirements must be met before your student can attend school. You must supply: The required emergency medication to the school, Health care provider orders, An individual health plan, and Any necessary supplies on or before the first day of school. These documents should be submitted directly to the School Nurse and NOT through FinalForms. Until these requirements are met, your student will not be able to attend school. For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/services/health-services. Immunizations Immunization records must be turned into the school on or before the first day of attendance. Your student cannot attend school until you provide these records. Tdap: For the 2025-26 school year, all students attending grades 7th through 12th must have received one booster dose of Tdap vaccine on or after age 10. Medically Verified Records: Medically verified records include one or more of the following: A completed Certificate of Immunization Status Form signed by a health care provider. Find the CIS form by visiting https://www.doh.wa.gov/SCCI and clicking on “Certificate of Immunization Status.” A CIS filled out by you or another parent/guardian with medical records attached. A CIS printed by a health care provider or school from the Washington State Immunization Information System. A CIS printed from MyIR which is a free Department of Health online tool that allows families to view and print their official immunization records themselves. Go to https://myirmobile.com/ to begin the sign-up process.   LWSD is utilizing the Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS) School Module which requires parent consent for nurses to upload immunization records. Please sign the WAIIS consent form in Skyward Family Access to allow the School Nurse to manage your student’s immunization records. For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/services/health-services/immunizations.   Questions about immunizations? Please contact your School Nurse. Sports physicals required for Middle School/High School sports participation As a reminder, sports physicals are required for participation in middle school and high school sports. High School sports seasons start in August, so it is important to have your paperwork on file in the school office prior to the start of the sports season. Health Care Provider offices in our area are expecting more appointment requests for physicals in August, so it is a good idea to schedule your appointment early. For middle school students, sports begin in September. Families will receive messaging from FinalForms with reminders about the required forms to complete.   For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/programs/athletics. Reminder: SUN Bucks program returns to provide summer food support for Washington children This summer, up to 620,000 Washington children will receive SUN Bucks – funds to help buy food when school is not in session – through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. The SUN Bucks benefits, a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child in each household, will be deposited onto existing SUN Bucks cards starting the first week of June and mailed to newly eligible children beginning in mid-June. Some children will get SUN Bucks automatically and others must apply. Students can auto-qualify if they either: Are age 8 – 18 and are a member of a household that receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and is directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals or meets income requirements reported through a Child Nutrition and Eligibility and Education Benefit Application. Parents or guardians of students who do not qualify automatically can apply by submitting a SUN Bucks application. To qualify for SUN Bucks by application, these students must both: Be enrolled at a school that participates in the NSLP or SBP. Live in a household that meets NSLP income eligibility guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The SUN Bucks application is online in English and Spanish. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 29, 2025. SUN Bucks benefits are in addition to other summer child nutrition programs already offered. Families can continue participating in group-site and grab-n-go meals as well as other summer food programs at their local schools and community locations, even if they receive Summer EBT benefits. Learn more: Washington SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program | DSHS. Lake Washington School Foundation Opening up the conversation Can a simple student-led idea change how a school talks about mental health? At Evergreen Middle School, it did. Discover how students launched a campaign that sparked conversation and connection across their campus. Read the story: www.lwsf.org/news/opening-up-the-conversation-raising-mental-health-awareness-at-evergreen-middle-school/. Community clears school meal debt for graduating seniors In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community action, donors across Lake Washington School District (LWSD) came together to erase school meal debt for graduating seniors—surpassing the $15,000 goal in just a few days. Through a partnership between the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) and Lake Washington School District, the campaign launched with one clear message: every student deserves to graduate with pride, not the weight of unpaid meal balances. The response from the community was swift and inspiring. Read more: www.lwsf.org/news/community-clears-school-meal-debt-for-graduating-seniors/. Two decades, one mission Celebrating 20 years of impact, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation has grown from a bold idea into a vital force supporting thousands of students. Learn more: www.lwsf.org/news/two-decades-one-mission/. Student & staff success LWSD students, teacher leave their mark at National History Day state competition Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students performed very well at this year’s Washington State National History Day (NHD) event. Eight LWSD students in eight categories won at the competition held on April 26 at Lake Washington High School.   This year’s NHD theme is “Rights & Responsibilities in History.” Students who finished in first or second place in each category went on to the National contest, held June 8-12 at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Eighteen LWSD students earned their way to the National event. In addition, 14 LWSD students were special award winners during the competition. Read more about this on the LWSD website. ORSH hosts preschool art walk and resource fair On a recent Wednesday, preschoolers from Old Redmond Schoolhouse (ORSH) proudly guided their families through hallways decorated with their own artwork. Along with admiring the creative displays, everyone had the opportunity to make art and discover various summer programs and resources. View more images on the LWSD website. Remember... This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.   The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, 425-936-1333, civilrights@lwsd.org; Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Activities, 425-936-1289, titleix@lwsd.org; and 504 Coordinator, Director of Special Services, 425-936-1407, section504@lwsd.org (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)

Friday, Jun 20 2025