September 26, 2022 Message: Student Connection and Inclusion

I hope everyone had a wonderful and rejuvenating weekend. I spent part of my weekend moving a set of vintage timpani into my home. 

Some of you may know that my wife is a general music teacher in a neighboring school district and an accomplished percussionist. My daughter is also a public school music teacher. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that one of my favorite things to do during my school visits is to tour the school’s music room. I am really proud that Northshore now offers all fifth-grade students the opportunity to begin band, orchestra or continue general music during the school day. Participation in the arts – music, visual arts, dance, and theater – is essential to students’ holistic development. For some students, creative expression and the opportunity to practice and master an art form is what keeps them connected to school. Thank you to our educators for fostering arts-rich learning environments and giving our students another way to communicate and make connections. 

September has been a busy month for all of us. I hosted the first Listen and Learn session last week at North Creek High School and am thankful for the parents, staff, and students who participated and shared feedback. I was proud to see our high school students engage as well, providing thoughtful and useful input. 

September has also been busy for the School Board. Two weeks ago, the School Board approved revisions to Policy 3211 (Gender Equity) and adopted a replacement policy -  Gender-Inclusive Schools. The board believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 

Northshore School District must be a place where all students are seen, valued, and supported. This means that in alignment with the updated policy 3211, we will support an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender non-binary students with regard to official records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide all students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement. 

While these were the right and student-centered actions to take, updates to policy 3211 and the supporting procedure, ensure the District is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws concerning student safety, privacy, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination. If you have questions or need support in operationalizing the policy updates, please contact the Racial and Educational Justice Department, educationaljustice@nsd.org. 

Yesterday evening marked the start of an important holiday for our Jewish students, families, and staff. Rosh Hashanah started at sunset on Sunday and continues through Tuesday evening. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year and a time to reflect on the previous year and focus on the hopes for the coming year. Wishing a Happy Rosh Hashanah to our Jewish students, their families, and our staff! 

Today is also the beginning of Navaratri, a nine-day festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Hindus fast for nine days eating a restricted meal once a day and worship goddess Durga. The nine-day festival ends on October 4 with Vijaya Dasami. Wishing our Hindu students, families, and staff a wonderful and Happy Navaratri!

In partnership, 

Michael Tolley
Interim Superintendent