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Vol. IV, No. 11 | January 27, 2012
Strengthening Our Community Through Excellence in Education
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Message from Superintendent Francois
Dear Northshore Families,
Last week's snow was something else. From the four days of canceled school to the 15 inches of snow on my back patio, I'm thankful we don't have weather like that very often.
While the decisions to close schools last week were fairly obvious, now is a good time to provide some general information and reminders about what goes on behind the scenes when we have inclement weather.
We monitor the weather conditions very closely anytime inclement weather is anticipated. As you know, forecasting in this region is a less than perfect science. Consequently, we try to gather as much information from as many sources as possible. We have district staff standing by to assess road conditions in various parts of the district and whether schools have power, heat and safe access. Given the size and diverse topography of our district, conditions can, and usually do, vary significantly from one area to another. We also have to consider not just the conditions at the moment, but how they may change during the day. We network with neighboring districts to help inform our decision making and try to make the best decision we can by 4:30 or 5 a.m. to communicate with families and staff before our buses begin their routes and staff and students leave for school.
Last week we were fortunate that the conditions and forecasts enabled us to make and communicate a decision the evening before each closure day. We recognize that early notification enables families to better plan for a change in schedule. But we may not always be able to make a decision the evening before. More often than not, we will need to wait until the early morning to assess conditions.
Underlying all of this is a commitment to safety. If we err-and trust me, we will at some point in time-my hope is that we'll err on the side of caution. As disruptive as a canceled day of school can be, that's minor compared to the potential for injury or damage.
Thanks for all your flexibility and patience last week. Let's hope we don't have a repeat any time soon.
Truly,
Larry Francois, Superintendent |
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Jan. 21 Elementary Advanced Program (EAP) Testing Rescheduled to Saturday, Jan. 28
The EAP testing that was scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21, has been rescheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 28. Families with children originally scheduled to test on Jan. 21, should check their email for a message regarding confirmation of their testing time. If you have any questions, please use the EAP contact form.
Sign-in for the morning sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and testing will begin promptly at 9 a.m.
More information is available on the EAP Web page.
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School Board Information
At its Jan. 24 school board meeting, board members were recognized as part of School Board Appreciation Month for their dedication and service to Northshore students, staff and families. Woodin Elementary School students presented each board member with a book created by students describing their thoughts on the role of the school board and performed a song.
The board launched its quarterly recognition program and honored district employees for their work on the Elementary Literacy Project. Woodinville High School student Matt Spencer, a student delegate with the State Board of Education, provided an update on the work of the State Board of Education. The board approved policy nos. 1210, 1230, 1240, 1260, 1310, 1311, 1320, 1331, 1332 and 3141. The board also approved Resolution Nos. 656 and 657 for a possible future school site.
The next school board meeting is Feb. 14, 4 p.m., Administrative Center Board Room. To view the agenda or read minutes of past school board meetings, please click here.
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School Board Recognition Program Launched
The Northshore School District Board of Directors launched a quarterly recognition program at its Jan. 24 meeting to recognize outstanding district and community achievements. District staff members who were part of the Literacy Advisory Team and Literacy Specialist Team for the Elementary Literacy Project were honored: Terri Andrew, Vikki Berard, Jon Hedin, Lisa Hensler, Katy Kayler, Amelia Keely, Angela Kerr, Carolyn Kitchens, Betsy Leahy, Ann Massengill Kristin Merritt, Marsha Moore, Katie Peffer, Stephanie Penrod, Robin Phillips, Kathleen Poole, Liz Stewart, JoAnn Todd, Mel Wiggin and Nancy Young. |
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Key 2012-13 Northshore School District Calendar Dates
Northshore School District has identified key dates for the 2012-13 school year. The district negotiates the school calendar with the Northshore Education Association and will not have the complete 2012-13 calendar determined until after the end of the legislative session.
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First Day of School
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TBD*
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Labor Day
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Sept. 3
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Veterans Day
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Nov. 12
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Thanksgiving Break
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Nov. 22-23
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Winter Break
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Dec. 19 - Jan. 1, 2013
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Technology PD Day (Non-Student Day)
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Jan. 2, 2013**
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Jan. 21, 2013
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Presidents Day
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Feb. 18, 2013
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Mid-Winter Break
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Feb. 19-22, 2013
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Spring Break
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April 15-19, 2013
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Memorial Day
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May 27, 2013
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Last Day of School
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TBD*
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* The first, last and non-student days (except for Jan. 2, 2013) are subject to negotiations with the teachers' union. Emergency make-up days will be added to the end of the school year.
** The Technology Professional Development day is a work day for staff and a vacation or non-student day for students.
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2011-12 Snow and Inclement Weather Information
Winter weather conditions could impact school schedules. In the event of a school delay or closure, the district will send a telephone message to families and employees. Please ensure you have updated your contact information with your child's school. Families who do not want the interruption of an early morning or evening inclement weather call can opt out of receiving them by contacting the Communications Department at 425.408.7670.
Read the 2011-12 Snow & Ice Bulletin for important information regarding schools and inclement weather and review alternate bus routes with your child. To determine your child's alternate bus stop, please click here. You must include your zip code to obtain accurate information. More information on alternate bus routes can be obtained from the Transportation Department, 425.408.7900.
For more information on schools and the weather, please click here.
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Northshore School District Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Open House Feb. 1
An open house for Northshore School District Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Programs will be held at Cottage Lake Elementarty School, Room B-103, 15940 Avondale Rd. N.E., Woodinville, and at Frank Love Elementary School, Room 7, 303 224th St. S.W., Bothell, from 4-6p.m. on Feb. 1. Meet the teachers and find out about these tuition-based programs.
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Parent Information Nights on Junior Challenge Course Sequences and Registration
Northshore School District junior high schools will hold information nights for parents of current seventh- and eighth-graders who want to learn about the Junior Challenge/Pre-AP/IB course sequence and registration process at their schools for the 2012-13 school year. Please check each school's Web site for specific meeting locations and times.
Upcoming dates:
Feb. 1 - Northshore Junior High School
Feb. 8 - Kenmore Junior High School
Feb. 15 - Leota Junior High School
Feb. 29 - Timbercrest Junior High School
March 7 - Skyview Junior High School
Parent information nights for current sixth-grade parents will be held at each junior high in early spring.
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Night
An information night for parents and current seventh- and eighth-grade students regarding Northshore School District's International Baccalaureate (IB) Program will be held Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at the Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E., Bothell.
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Kindergarten Orientations and Registration Set for March
Parents are invited to attend a kindergarten orientation for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2012. No registration is required for the presentations, which are intended for parents only.
March 5, 7-8 p.m., Northshore Performing Arts Center, 9130 N.E. 180th St., Bothell
March 6, 7-8 p.m., Northshore Performing Arts Center, 9130 N.E. 180th St., Bothell
March 13, 7-8 p.m. Woodmoor Elementary School Library, 12225 N.E. 160th St., Bothell. This is a multilingual orientation with Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese interpreters. Childcare provided for the March 13 multilingual presentation only.
Kindergarten registration for all Northshore schools will be March 1-27. Information, including specific dates for each school, is available at www.nsd.org/kindergarten.
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Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) is Lighthouse School
Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) is one of five schools and one school district statewide named a Lighthouse school by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). SAS will receive a $20,000 grant to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and serve as a mentor to other middle and high schools that are creating STEM environments. Click here for complete story.
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Three Inglemoor High School Seniors Accepted to U.S. Military Academies
Inglemoor High School has three seniors who have been accepted to U.S. military academies:
John Adrian Castro - U.S. Naval Academy
Connor Peasley - U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Ian Bedo - U.S. Military Academy at West Point |
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Northshore Wall of Honor Nominations Accepted Through March 30
Nominations will be accepted through March 30 for consideration by the selection committee for inclusion on the Wall of Honor for 2012. Nominees are considered based on the significant contributions they have made to our community, state, nation or world. The new inductees will be added to the Wall of Honor in August 2012.
Click here for more information, including the nomination forms.
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Community E-Fliers Listings for 2011-12
Northshore School District works with community organizations to provide information to families about not-for-profit services for students. The listing of any flier does not imply that their services have been endorsed by the school district. To view the current e-flier listings, please click here.
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"My Dream School" Contest for Students Deadline Jan. 31
The League of Education Voters and Seattle's Child are holding a "My Dream School" contest for students to get creative and show what their ultimate school would look like.
All entries must be submitted online and the deadline for submission is Jan. 31. Prizes are to be announced. For more information and to submit entries, visit LEV's My Dream School Web page. |
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Interpreter/Translation Services
Your child's education is very important. As the parent/guardian of a Northshore student, you have the right to participate in your child's education, including communicating with teachers and staff about your child. Northshore offers interpreter and translation services to parents free of charge. For more information, please click here.
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Threads and Treads Free Clothing Bank
The Threads and Treads free clothing bank is open on Thursdays, 4-6 p.m., at Canyon Park Junior High School, 23723 23rd Avenue S.E., Bothell. Contact Eileen Jowell ejowell@nsd.org for more information. |
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Follow us on Facebook!
Here's another way to stay connected to Northshore School District news and information-Follow us on Facebook! Log onto Facebook and search "Northshore School District." |
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Calendar
Feb 14: School Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Administrative Center Board Room
Feb. 20: No School, Presidents' Day
Feb. 21-24: No School, Mid-Winter Break
Feb. 28: School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Administrative Center Board Room
District Calendars and Planner
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Northshore Connections is published twice monthly during the school year by Northshore School District #417. It is designed to inform community members about the strategic direction of the district as well as provide routine information of interest. Direct your questions and/or comments to the Editor.
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