Weekly Update from Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley: September 6, 2022

I hope everyone took time to relax and rejuvenate this past weekend. I know that each of you have been working hard to ensure a strong start to the school year and your efforts were clear in our schools and classrooms. 

Last week, we welcomed over 21,560 Northshore students to the 2022-23 school year. I started the first day of school bright and early at the School District’s Transportation Center, visiting with our bus drivers and waving them out of the lot. Our staff was ready and excited to pick up and safely deliver students to school. 

Over two days, I visited twelve schools, the District’s Warehouse, Graphics Department, and the Instructional Materials Center. Thank you to our school leaders and staff for hosting me during such a busy time. 

In every space I witnessed our District’s core commitments in action. Educators and support staff were actively building learning environments that foster kindness, belonging, and community. You can watch some of the highlights on our District’s Facebook page.

Last week was also significant for our kindergarten families who participated in teacher-family conferences over the first few days. Kindergarten teachers at Woodin Elementary shared how fun and enlightening these conversations can be. During the conferences educators learn about students’ pets, siblings, their passions, and areas of interest. Knowing what matters to students helps educators plan for and support each child’s academic growth and ensures Northshore is a place all students thrive. Thank you to our early learning staff for holding these important conversations and getting to know each individual student.

Today and tomorrow, our students entering kindergarten will begin their Northshore educational journey. What an exciting time for our youngest students and their families! I am looking forward to visiting kindergarten classrooms this week and hearing directly from students about their hopes and dreams for the school year. 

Thank you again to all of our staff for making last week such a success for students and their families! You each played a critical role and I am grateful for the opportunity to support you in fulfilling the promise of a great public education for each and every one of our students. 

In partnership,

Michael Tolley

Interim Superintendent