Message from Superintendent Francois

Dear Northshore Colleagues,

This week, March 12-16, is Classified Staff Employee Week. On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire school community, I want to acknowledge and thank the 900 classified staff members who positively contribute every day to the success of our students.

For over half of our students, our dedicated bus drivers are the first staff face they meet in the morning. A friendly smile, a warm greeting and a safe ride to school get our students' day off to a great start. Once at school, our office and nursing staff are ready to help students with a wide range of needs from attendance and forgotten lunches to medications and food allergies. In the classroom and around the school, our para-educators support students' classroom instruction and provide that personalized and customized assistance that so many of our students need to excel. At lunchtime, students are recharged through a healthy and nutritious lunch prepared by our conscientious food services staff. And throughout the day, student learning is enhanced by our facility managers and custodians who provide a safe, clean and well-kept school environment.

Behind the scenes, a host of other classified staff contribute in less visible but equally important ways to our core mission of quality classroom instruction. Maintenance and capital projects staff keep our schools in good shape and protect our community's investment in our facilities. Warehouse staff transport the tons of mail and supplies that our schools need. Print services staff produce the tens of thousands of documents used in our classrooms and schools. Grounds staff maintain the fields our athletic teams rely upon and enhance the "street appeal" of our schools. Technology staff keep thousands of computers, printers and all the systems we count on inside and outside of the classroom running smoothly. And our admin and support services office staff sustain the business end of this large, complex organization which also happens to be the second largest regional employer. 

Providing a world class education is a collective effort. Our district is fortunate to have such a varied, dedicated and competent collection of staff supporting our classrooms and students. I hope you'll take a moment this week to acknowledge and thank those classified staff members who most impact your world.

Truly,

Larry Francois, Superintendent

School Board Meeting Information
   
At its March 13 board meeting, the Northshore School District Board of Directors recognized Classified School Employees' Week, March 12-16, and School Retirees' Appreciation Week, March 19-25. Through its Board Recognition program, the board also recognized junior high school staff and community members who are providing academic interventions and support through advisory, afterschool and Hang-Time programs.

The board approved policy nos. 2000, 2025, 2105,2115, 2165, 2178, 2180 and 2220, and a waiver request to OSPI for Hollywood Hill Elementary School emergency closure Jan. 23-24 due to a power outage.

The board conducted a study session on school start times.

The next school board meeting is March 27, 7 p.m.,  Administrative Center Board Room. To view the agenda or read minutes of past school board meetings, please click here.

School Board Recognition Program

The Northshore School District Board of Directors recognized junior high school staff and community members who are working to provide academic support to students through their advisory, after-school and Hang Time programs. Their efforts are having a profound impact on student achievement by helping to connect students to school, developing strong student relationships through mentorships and providing personalized academic support.

Benefits include increased student attendance, decreased behavior issues and increased grades. These efforts support Board Goal/Performance Measure 1.7: Increase the percentage of students on track by the end of ninth grade to graduate.

Community partners recognized: Luann Jackman, executive director Northshore YMCA; Karen Gourd, University of Washington professor; Denise Michaels, Cascadia Community College professor; Lauren Hopp, YMCA site coordinator; Jerbarco Arnold, YMCA staff member; Samantha Porter, Cascadia Community College youth retention coordinator and YMCA Hang-Time coordinator; Amanda Downs, YMCA staff member; and Kris Staten, YMCA site coordinator and NSD staff member.

NSD staff recognized: Ryan Adams, Joanne Allen, Kim Anderson, Myke Benjamin, Karen Berg, Becky Berger, Paig Bradbury, Stacy Cho, Whitney Connors, Obadiah Dunham, Karen Franks, Tim Gordon, Audee Gregor, Erika Halverson, Kathleen Hartman, Cynthia Horst, Eileen Jowell, Julie Kiker, Cheryl Klemz, Matt Lang,  Jeanie MacDonald, Dawn Mark, Debbie Martens, Cathie McLain, Scott McLean, Heather Miller, Tina Neil, Maria Nelson, Carolyn O'Keeffe, Stella Plummer, Michael Rhyne, Dave Sage, Josh Sanchez, Gretchen Schaefer, Sheri Setzer, Derek Tucci, Donna Tyo, Jon Vandemoortel, Heather Warme-Stead and Adam Zitzmann.

Classified School Employees' Week, March 12-16

Classified School Employees' Week is March 12-16. The Northshore School District Board of Directors would like to thank our classified staff for the work they do to support student achievement by keeping our schools running safely and efficiently and improving the lives of our students each day.

Click here for more information, including the video produced by Canyon Park Junior High School students.

Northshore Wall of Honor Nomination Deadline March 30

Nominations are being 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.

March Kindergarten Registration

SERS and TRS Plan 3 Members Withdrawal Seminar May 1

Are you planning to leave employment or retire sometime in the next 5 years? Do you know what decisions you need to make in regard to your retirement plan when you leave? Do you know what payment options you have? ICMA will be presenting a short seminar for Plan 3 Members on these topics on Tuesday, May 1, 4:15-5:15 p.m. , Administrative Building Board Room.
 
The seminar will cover options and issues faced by members who are thinking of retiring or separating from service within the next 5 years:

• Payment options and timelines
• Benefit calculations
• Age and service requirements
• Potential penalties and reductions
• Survivor options

If you are thinking about retiring or separating from service and want to begin preparing for the decisions you will have to make, please register by emailing Toni Damron at tdamron@nsd.org. Seating may be limited. Spouses are welcome to attend.

Northshore Schools Foundation Innovative Teacher Grant Applications Now Available

Since its inception, the Northshore Schools Foundation has granted over $200,000 to teachers to promote innovative programming in the classroom. 

The Northshore Schools Foundation is again offering innovative classroom grants. Apply for funding support for your innovative projects for our shared goal of enhancing learning opportunities for Northshore students. Applications are accepted for up to $1000 to be used during the 2012-13 school year. Applications are due to the Foundation office by 5 p.m., April 12. No late applications will be accepted.

Click here for more information, including the application form, or contact Carmin Dalziel, executive director, or Renee Colleran, innovative grant committee chair.

• 2012-13 Key NSD Calendar Dates
• Annual Retirement Statements
• Athletics
• Cost Savings Idea Submission Form
• District Phone Extensions
• Employee Discount Program  
• Employee Online
  
• Heard it Through the Grapevine
• Schools & Inclement Weather
• Staff BRAVOS
• Teacher Toolbox - Teacher Opportunities
• Puget Sound ESD One-to-One Newsletter
  
• Professional Development Classes
• Retirement Outlook Newsletter
• HomeStreet Bank Hometown Loan Program

Calendar
 
March 16: No School, Teacher Work Day
March 19: Eliminating Costs and Barriers to College Presentation for Eight-Grade Families, 6:30 p.m., Northshore Performing Arts Center
March 27: School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Administrative Center Board Room
March 28: SEPAC Presentation, Post Secondary Options: Will My Child Have The College Experience, 7 p.m., Administrative Center Board Room
March 30: Wall of Honor Nomination Deadline

District Calendars and Planner