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Shoreline Schools Update - November 6, 2025
This week's update contains information about: Veterans Day Tue., Nov. 11 Recommended reads for Native American Heritage Month Replacement Levy Pro and Con Committee Members Sought High school fall play tickets on sale now Dolores Huerta event Holiday Baskets registration opens Monday (family support with food and gifts) Now hiring school nurse subs SEA collective bargaining agreement highlights School Board Happenings Reminders: Early literacy opens doors for all students Food banks and other resources in our area Shoreline Safe Streets Survey Now Open Anticipated pre-Labor Day start to the 2026-27 school year Save the dates for community forums re: cell phones in schools Support for families affected by federal government shutdown The Works clothing closet open each Wednesday No School on Tuesday, Nov. 11 All Shoreline schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, for the Veterans Day holiday. This means that Wednesday, November 12 is a full school day. There is no early release that week. Book Suggestions for Native American Heritage Month November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Native peoples. Shoreline Schools is proud to recognize this month by sharing book recommendations for students of all ages from the American Library Association, featuring Indigenous authors and stories that reflect Native voices and experiences. Pictured: Author Christine Day at Einstein Middle School Explore these powerful reads and join us in celebrating Native American heritage throughout November and beyond. Elementary Books All Around Us by Xelena González My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith Bowwow Powwow by Brenda Child Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell Raven Makes the Aleutians by Pauline Duncan Herizon by Daniel W. Vandever Learning My Rights With Mouse Woman by Morgan Asoyuf I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner Jo Jo Makoons by Dawn Quigley Middle Grade Books The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson True History: Indigenous America by Liam McDonald Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young The Sea in Winter by Christine Day I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day The Grizzly Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson Peggy Flanagan: Ogimaa Kwe, Lieutenant Governor by Jessica Engelking Ella Cara Deloria: Dakota Language Protector by Diane Wilson Young Adult Books Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (Young Readers Adaptation): Life in Native America by Sheila Keenan Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley Rez Ball by Byron Graves A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger Soldiers Unknown by Chag Lowry Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders by Adrienne Keene Apple Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: Revisioning History for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Replacement Levy Pro and Con Committee Members Sought by Nov. 13 At its November 4 meeting, the Shoreline School Board adopted resolutions to place propositions to replace our current Educational Programs and Operations and Technology Levies on the February 10, 2026, ballot. M ore information in "School Board Happenings" below. Shoreline School District is seeking applications from District residents interested in being appointed to committees to write the “pro” and “con” statements for the King County Local Voters’ Pamphlet related to the District’s following ballot measures to be considered at the February 10, 2026 election: Proposition No. 1 – Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations ; and Proposition No. 2 – Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support . Interested residents should send their name, address, email address, phone number, which proposition(s) they are writing about, and committee name (or which position they represent) to: Public Information Office, at 18560 1st Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, or via email at public.info@ssd412.org by November 13, 2025. The Board will take action on the appointments at its November 18, 2025 meeting. Contact information for individuals appointed by the Board may be listed in the local voters’ pamphlet. For more information, please reference the King County “Local Voters’ Pamphlet Packet.” Emma and Romeo & Juliet Start Next Week Shorewood Presents Romeo & Juliet Nov. 13-15 and 22-24, all at 7:00 pm Tickets can be purchased at the Shorewood Business Office and at Brown Paper Tickets . Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door About the play: Shakespeare’s most famous love story gets a modern twist in this contemporary high school adaptation of Romeo and Juliet . Set in the halls, classrooms, and social media feeds of Verona High, the classic tale of rivalry and romance unfolds in a world that today’s audiences will recognize. When two teenagers from feuding groups fall in love, their connection challenges old grudges and tests the boundaries of loyalty, friendship, and family. Mixing Shakespeare’s original language with a setting full of everyday high school drama, this production invites audiences to see how the timeless themes of love, conflict, and identity still resonate today. Shorecrest Presents Emma November 13-23, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm Tickets available now at Brown Paper Tickets . Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students/children under 12 in advance. At the door: $20. About the play: Shorecrest Drama proudly presents Kate Hamill’s Emma — a lively, funny, and fast-moving new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. Part Clueless, part Bridgerton, and entirely its own, Hamill’s Emma brings wit, heart, and a contemporary spark to the story of a young woman who thinks she knows best when it comes to love and friendship — until her own plans start to unravel in unexpected ways. Dolores Huerta Event on Fri., Dec. 5
Friday, December 5, 2025 5 - 7:00 pm Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133 Main Dining Room (9215), Pagoda Union Building From Shoreline Community College: Join us for a special evening with Dolores Huerta, legendary civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW). A tireless advocate for social justice, Huerta has spent decades organizing communities, shaping policy, and fighting for equality across the U.S. Her message of courage, compassion, and civic engagement continues to inspire generations. This vital conversation will be facilitated by Se Habla Media. Explore community organizations at one of our many booths. Register for this event Holiday Baskets Registration Opens Monday, Nov. 10 If your family would like assistance with holiday food and gifts, you can register for the Holiday Baskets program at the YMCA.
Registration is open: Monday, November 10th to Wednesday, November 26.
The distribution event will be held at the YMCA on Saturday, December 13.
You will receive an email with your assigned time to pick up items.
Register here (form opens on November 10) If you need help with registration, contact the Family Advocate at your child's school . We’re Hiring Nurse Substitutes! Are you a Registered Nurse (RN) looking for flexible, meaningful work? Join Shoreline Schools as a Substitute Nurse and make a difference in students’ lives every day! Why you’ll love it:
Choose jobs that fit your schedule
Opportunities across preschool through high school
Training provided
Weekends, holidays, and summers off
Perfect if your own kids are in school
Pay rate: $47.83/hour
Come explore a new type of nursing—caring for our students and school communities! Find more info and the link to apply Highlights from the SEA and Shoreline School District Bargaining Agreement The Shoreline School District and Shoreline Education Association (SEA) completed a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in late August that continues to prioritize high-quality teaching, student support, and an equitable learning environment across all schools. The new agreement reflects shared commitments to supporting educators, expanding inclusion, and maintaining strong student programs. Following are the key points that are most relevant to the families and students we serve. Class Size Relief The agreement establishes staff ratios designed to maintain manageable class sizes and support effective teaching and learning. Professional Development Professional growth remains a central focus. The agreement reinstates 1.5 days of professional development for all certificated staff, with increased opportunities for substitute teachers and conference preparation relief for 4-5th grade teachers. Supporting Inclusion Funds have been increased to expand inclusionary supports across our schools. Sustaining Enrichment Opportunities Activity pay and stipends (Extended Learning Opportunities) continue to ensure that extracurricular programs thrive, while educators are fairly compensated for their time and leadership of programs such as clubs, sports, performing arts, and other student activities. Strengthening Special Education Supports Special Education services will be strengthened through reasonable caseload expectations for special educators, which support the delivery of individualized instruction and timely interventions for students with disabilities. Resources for Title I Schools The agreement also includes new funding for books in Title I elementary schools, expanding access to high-quality reading materials for students who need them most. Competitive Compensation Shoreline will continue to maintain among the highest teacher salaries in Washington State, helping attract and retain top-tier educators committed to student success. Promoting a Positive Learning Environment A new “Off and Away” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes consistent expectations around personal device use during school hours—leading to fewer classroom disruptions and a more focused learning environment. Learn more about “Off and Away” Together, these agreements strengthen the district’s commitment to inclusion, educator support, and student well-being—ensuring that Shoreline continues to be a place where every student is engaged, inspired, and empowered to learn. Throughout this process, our joint bargaining teams kept students at the center of their work, with a shared commitment to ensuring high-quality teaching and learning in Shoreline. School Board Happenings In this section of the Shoreline Schools weekly update, we provide a recap of any board meetings and action that was taken in the preceding week. Save the Date! On Tuesday, November 18, we are hosting a reception to honor outgoing School Board Director Dr. Sarah Cohen. 6:00 pm Shoreline Center Foyer (18560 1st Ave. NE) Light refreshments will be served All are welcome to attend The November 18 School Board meeting start time has been adjusted to 6:30 pm, after the reception honoring Director Cohen. School Board Regular Meeting November 4 Agenda | Recording Reports and Presentations The following three policies were being presented to the Board for first reading by Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Business Services Treena Sterk. The district recommends updates to Policies 5241 and 5111, and the rescission of Policy 5120, as Policy 5111 now encompasses all related content.
Policy 5241, Reporting Improper Government Action – Last updated in 1995. Revised to identify the correct RCW reference and includes the addition of the phrases, “consistent with the district’s procedures” and “whistleblower protection”.
Policy 5111, Employment of Staff – Last updated in 1992. Updated to align with current legal requirements, including provisions for:
Child support reporting for staff
Use of I-9 form
Sexual misconduct release forms
Background checks for staff and volunteers, with processes ensuring confidentiality
Certification requirements
These updates reflect current practices required by law.
Policy 5120, Certification – Last updated in 1992. Recommended for rescission, as certification requirements are fully addressed in Policy 5111. These revisions will be brought forward for recommended adoption at the Board’s November 18 regular meeting. Action Items Adoption of Resolution 2025-15, Proposition No. 1 - Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations Executive Director of Business, Finance, and Capital Projects Art Clarke presented Resolution No. 2025-15, Proposition 1 - Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O Levy), which was recommended for the Board’s adoption. The resolution has been prepared by District legal counsel to ensure conformity to laws of the State of Washington. The current four-year Educational Programs and Operations (EPO) levy of the Shoreline School District will expire at the end of 2026. This levy provides the District with 16.5% of its General Fund operating revenue. In order for the District to meet all of its educational programs and operations’ needs, renewal of a four-year educational programs and operations levy is recommended. The School Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-15, Proposition 1 – Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations, which authorizes a four-year levy (2027 – 2030) to be placed on the February 10, 2026 ballot in the estimated amounts and levy tax rates, as presented. Recording Adoption of Resolution 2025-16, Proposition No. 2 - Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support Executive Director of Business, Finance, and Capital Projects Art Clarke presented Resolution No. 2025-16, Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support (Tech Levy), which was recommended for the Board’s adoption. The resolution has been prepared by District legal counsel to ensure conformity to laws of the State of Washington. The current 2022 four-year Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support will expire at the end of 2026. Renewal of the Capital Levy is recommended in order to meet the District’s ongoing technology needs for capital improvements, including but not limited to instructional software and hardware, student and staff computers and other devices, server and network replacements and upgrades including virus and firewall protection, data software and equipment, online curriculum and subscription resources, and staff support and related training. The proposed levy amounts are $3,500,000 more per year compared to the expiring 2022 Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support. The School Board adopted Resolution No. 2025-16, Proposition 2 – Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support as a four-year levy (2027-2030) to be placed on the February 10, 2026 ballot in the amounts and with the estimated levy tax rates, as presented. Recording Literacy Opens Doors for Every Learner in Shoreline Schools Shoreline School District is making early literacy a districtwide priority. In this short video, you’ll learn how we’re helping every child build a strong foundation in reading — and why that foundation matters. The first pillar of Shoreline’s strategic plan is "All Students Literate." We’ve set a clear, measurable target: By spring 2029, 85% of Shoreline’s 5th and 8th graders will read at grade level. Learn more about how we are empowering students with the work/life skills to achieve their potential in our strategic plan: Envision Shoreline . Food Banks and SNAP Guidance for Families No child, no family, no member of our community should go hungry. For those experiencing food instability, we provide the following resources. In and around Shoreline School District, our nearest food banks are: Hopelink Shoreline
Address: 17837 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Hours: Tuesdays 12-4 pm, Wednesdays 3-7 pm, Thursdays 10 am - 2 pm
Phone: 206-440-7300
Hopelink Shoreline Market and Service Center
North Helpline Lake City
Address: 12736 33rd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Hours: Wednesdays 9 am - 2 pm, Thursdays 4-7 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm
Donation Hours: Tues, Thurs, and Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Phone: 206-413-9043
North Helpline Lake City Food Bank
North Helpline Bitter Lake
Address: 13000 Linden Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133
Hours: Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm
Donation Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 9 am - 2 pm
Phone: 206-367-3477
North Helpline Bitter Lake Food Bank
Mountlake Terrace Concern for Neighbors
Address: 4700 228th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Hours: Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am
Donation Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 7 am - 1 pm
Phone: 425-778-7227
Concern for Neighbors Food Bank
Edmonds Food Bank
Address: 828 Caspers St., L100, Edmonds, WA 98020 (Located below the United Methodist Church)
Hours: Mondays 2:30-5:30 pm, Tuesdays 9 am - 12 pm
Donation Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
Phone: 425-778-5833
Edmonds Food Bank
Guidance for Families Whose Food Access Is at Risk 1. Plan Ahead this Week
Start meal planning now and take inventory of the foods you currently have.
With remaining October food benefits, prioritize shelf-stable, bulk, and low-cost items. * Note that any unused benefits will roll over and only expire after 274 days of EBT card inactivity.
2. Use Additional SNAP Programs If you have a remaining balance on your EBT card, you can participate in the following SNAP programs to receive additional benefits for fresh fruits & vegetables:
SNAP Produce Match - buy $10 of fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables with your EBT card at participating grocery stores and receive a $5 produce coupon.
SNAP Market Match - visit a participating farmers market or farm stand to receive SNAP Market Match dollars. Simply visit the information booth and swipe your EBT card for the amount you’d like to spend. Participating markets will match $25 or more per day in Market Match dollars for you to spend on produce.
Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program - The Washington State Department of Health’s Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FV Rx) Program works with health care centers in Washington to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients who are food insecure. Patients receive paper vouchers valued at $250-$500 over six months, redeemable at Safeway stores.
If you have any unused benefits from any of these programs, you can still redeem them during the month of November.
Looking to Donate to Support Families? To make the most of a generous donation to help those who are experiencing food instability, we recommend giving directly to a local food bank. They can make your dollars stretch the farthest, know what members of their community need, and have distribution systems established. The food banks linked above all have information about how to contribute on their websites. Shoreline Safe Streets Survey Shared by the City of Shoreline: Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan: Take our survey! In recent years, Washington State has seen an increase in crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. To help make our streets safer, the City of Shoreline is creating a new Transportation Safety Action Plan. The Plan aligns with the national Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program and supports Shoreline’s strategic plan to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The goal is to improve what we already do in our Annual Traffic Report . Share Your Thoughts Your feedback is important. It helps build a successful Plan that reflects the community’s values and supports a culture of safety. Tell us how we should prioritize traffic safety projects considering our limited City funds and potential grant opportunities. To share your thoughts, complete the Shoreline Safety Action Plan Community Survey . 2026-27 School Year Likely to Begin before Labor Day While work to finalize the 2026-27 school year calendar is still underway with our labor partners, we can share that we anticipate that school will start the week before Labor Day for grades 1-12. Confirmed first days, breaks, last day, and other key dates for the year will be shared with the community when the 2026-27 school year calendar has been finalized. Save the Date for "Off and Away" Community Forums Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Education Association (SEA) are partnering to host two community forums about the current "off and away for the day" cell phone expectation. The purpose of these forums is to share teacher perspective, gather parent/guardian input, grow consensus, and share details and the importance of the plan to eliminate the negative impacts of cell phones and other personal devices in the learning environment. Community Forum #1
Monday, December 1
Evening start time TBD
Shorewood High School Theatre
17300 Fremont Ave. N
Community Forum #2
Wednesday, December 3
Evening start time TBD
Shorecrest High School Theatre
15343 25th Ave. NE
Family Supports Available School Meal Benefits for Families Affected by the Government Shutdown As the Government shutdown continues, some families are missing regular paychecks. Households whose current income may now qualify their students for meal benefit assistance are encouraged to complete an application (CNEEB) . The application can represent the household situation at the time of application. If students are approved for meal benefits, eligibility is for the entire school year, but if/when the household situation changes, they are encouraged to reach out to Nutrition Services to notify them that the household is no longer eligible. Applications can be submitted electronically by logging into your Skyward Family Access account, on the Food Service tab. Paper applications are available at school or can be printed from the Shoreline Food Services website (available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, and Tigrinya).
Determining Household Reportable Income
Category
Description
Earnings from work
Wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and cash bonuses;
Net income from self-owned business, including farms;
Strike benefits, unemployment compensation, and worker’s compensation; and
Military basic pay and cash bonuses and allowances for off-base housing, food, and clothing (excluding combat pay, Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance, and privatized housing allowances; for more information, see Income Exclusions, page 30 of Eligibility Manual for School Meals ).
Note that all approved meal applications are subject to verification. Families whose applications are randomly chosen for verification will be required to produce documentation of actual income for the application month up to the time they are selected for verification. Households do not have to be U.S. citizens for children to qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and completing the CNEEB application has no impact on immigration status. Additional Family Supports Available
Qualifying for free meals makes you eligible for waivers of other school fees, such as ASB card and sports participation fees.
All schools have a Friday food bag program, which provides students with a small bag of snacks and lunch items for the weekend. Contact your school’s family advocate for more information.
See below for information about The Works , the free clothing store for Shoreline students.
Your school’s family advocate can support families in connecting with community organizations that provide food and financial assistance.
Free Clothing Store Open Every Wednesday The Works is a free student clothing room that provides high quality, clean, gently used children’s and teen clothing and self-care items to Shoreline School District children. Shoreline families can bring their children to “shop” for gently used, stylish clothing. Shop Wednesday nights, 6:30-8:00 pm! To shop at The Works:
Families must have a Shoreline School District address or have a child who attends a Shoreline School District school.
Each qualifying family may shop once each month on a Wednesday night between the hours of 6:30 and 8:00 pm.
Walk-ins will be accepted from 6:30 pm until 7:30pm, after which time no families will be allowed to start shopping. All shopping must be completed by 8:00pm.
The Works is located on the north end of the Shoreline Center (near the Shoreline soccer fields) at 18560 1st Ave. NE. You may also bring donations when The Works is open: Gently used clothing
Clean - we do not have a washer or dryer at the store
No holes, stains, broken zippers, missing buttons please
In style - children or teens would wear it!
Gently used shoes - not worn out or dirty
New socks and underwear (we do not accept used, even if laundered)
New, unexpired deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes
See The Works wish list of most-needed items Learn more about shopping at or supporting The Works