Weekly Update from Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley: Aug 29, 2022

Welcome to the 2022-23 school year!

Our schools are buzzing with excitement as we make final preparations for the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.  Students across many of our schools are picking up schedules, getting their school pictures taken, and reconnecting with friends. Start of school week signifies a special time of year filled with possibility and our students’ enthusiasm is undeniable.    

It can’t be said enough - thank you to all of our staff for all the ways you have prepared for a strong and supportive launch to the year. From the delivery of curricula materials to schools, to participating in Science of Reading or SIOP training last week, to helping high school students pay for parking - we each have an important role to play in student success. 

As our students and colleagues return to schools this week, let’s also focus on building strong school communities and developing relationships. Authentic connection is foundational to our collective success. Our District must be a place where all of our students and staff feel welcome, known, and unconditionally supported. 

I am encouraging you to set aside time to build a sense of community, connection, and joy in your classroom and work space over these first days of the new school year. These last couple years have been challenging - relationships and connection to each other have never mattered more. 

In last week’s Northshore Learns announcement, community-building ideas were shared. Please use these resources as needed: 

• Icebreakers that Rock!

I look forward to learning from you and working alongside you as we create the conditions for everyone to thrive in Northshore. 

It’s going to be a great school year!

Michael Tolley

Interim Superintendent 

Highlights from Around the District

Staff Gear Up for School with Trainings, Professional Development

An important element to the start of any new school year is the training that takes place for school staff in preparation for the return of students. During the weeks of Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, this included in-service days and trainings for both certificated teachers and educational support professionals in schools and other classified staff working in district departments, including Transportation, Custodial, Food & Nutrition Services, and more. 

In addition to developing the knowledge and skills needed for their day-to-day work, staff also heard messages from district leadership about Northshore’s emphasis on belonging. Using the lens of their daily work, staff identified opportunities and strategies to ensure the students, families, and fellow staff in their buildings and departments know that they are welcome, appreciated, and a valued member of their community.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated on Aug. 31

Beginning at sundown on Tuesday, Aug. 30, it is possible that Northshore's practicing Hindu students will fast, including no food or drink, in recognition of the religious observance Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that honors Ganapathi. Individuals may fast throughout the day on Aug. 31, breaking the fast the following morning after offering prayers. 

The following ideas are ways that we can support our Hindu students during Ganesh Chaturthi. 

• Be sensitive to the fact that students who fast will not be able to participate in assignments that involve the consumption of foods or liquids during classes or activities.  
• Keep in mind that a student’s energy may fluctuate over the course of the day if observing Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Provide students with alternative activities if class or extra-curricular activities require any type of physical activity.  
• Remember that not all Hindu students fast during Ganesh Chaturthi. Please do not assume that a student is fasting or ask them why they aren’t fasting.