December 16, 2024: Recap of the last couple of weeks and important information

December 16, 2024: Recap of the last couple of weeks and important information

Northshore School District logo in blue

 

Message from the Superintendent

 

December 16, 2024

Dear Northshore Colleagues: 

News about a Northshore teacher’s arrest last week was very challenging. Many of us felt and are continuing to feel a range of emotions including disbelief, anger, and grief. These are normal feelings and expected when trust is broken. I want to make sure our staff receive any extra support that is necessary.  As a reminder, counseling is available to Northshore staff through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Up to four free and confidential counseling sessions are available to each Northshore staff member. I encourage you to take advantage of this resource if needed. 

I also want to thank our Leota Middle School colleagues for helping our students navigate through this difficult situation. I recognize you are both supporting students while processing your own feelings.

Since my last Monday Message, a lot has taken place including my final 2024 Listen and Learn Sessions:

  • On December 3, I met with our Native American families and students. Families, students, and former students shared constructive feedback with me, including: a request that the District better identifies our Native American students through our data systems, help reinforce that Native American students are present and thriving in Northshore, and ensure that Since Time Immemorial (STI) is being taught and supported. 
  • On December 10, our Special Education Department hosted a Listen and Learn session and provided an opportunity for families, students, and staff to engage with the District’s new Inclusion and Inclusionary Practices Definitions. It was a robust discussion, and I am grateful to those who participated in-person and online. Feedback gathered from participants will help inform a future Myths and Facts webpage. 
  • Finally, on December 12, I hosted my last session for 2024. This session was for anyone interested in learning more about the District and providing feedback on the mobile device policy. It was a smaller group, so we also had time to discuss other issues and concerns. 

To realize the commitments of our Strategic Plan, we need to be in community with and learn from our families and students. Since October, I have had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of families and students. In February, I will be sharing what we have learned during these Listen and Learn sessions and our next steps. 

Please take the time to review District Highlights below, including important updates. 

In partnership, 

Michael Tolley
Superintendent 

 

Highlights from Around the District

 

Have a story you would like to see shared in the "Highlights from Around the District" section of this message and on our website? Submit using this form.

 

Two students give peace signs while holding their instruments in front of a Student Music Initiatives banner

 
 

Student-led Nonprofit Coordinates Christmas for the Cure Performances

The nonprofit Student Music Initiatives (SMI), founded by Inglemoor High School students, has kicked off its flagship program, Christmas for the Cure, with performances for shoppers at the Alderwood Mall, where they collect donations for the American Cancer Society. Upcoming dates include December 21, 22, and 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the food court at the mall, where they’ve set a goal to raise $3,000 this season. Students participating are from Inglemoor, Bothell, North Creek, and Mariner high schools. SMI works to give leadership and learning opportunities to aspiring individuals while connecting communities together through the universal language and power of music. Since inception, they have raised funds for various causes including Feeding America and the American Cancer Society.

 

Staff Directory Update

The web-based staff directory for locating a colleague’s name, email, phone number, or work location will look different the next time you look someone up. Microsoft is ending its Delve application, which has hosted the District’s staff directory since fall 2023. As of today, December 16, 2024, when you access https://staffdir.nsd.org/, you will see a new interface, supported by OneDirectory. You will be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account with your district credentials. This sign-in screen may look different than what you typically see, but this is a trustworthy sign-in, and it is OK to proceed. Once signed in, staff information will continue to include work location, phone number, email, and the individual’s position within the District as recorded in Human Resources.

Tips on using the new staff directory:

  • Use the search bar to type in a partial or full name. You can also search by job title.
  • If you know the person’s location but not their name, click on the picture or name of their school to begin. From there, you can sort or group by job title to narrow your search.
  • Some staff members have photos or pictures in their profile. If you would like to add or edit yours, go to Outlook, click on your name in the top right corner, then “View Account.” On the Overview page, you can change your profile photo.
  • The directory has an option to click “Everyone” in the left navigation. However, we recommend using the search bar or clicking on the school name or photo to start your search as a faster and more efficient way to locate a colleague.

As a reminder, contact information can also be found in Outlook. Information available in Outlook under the employee profile includes: Job title as it is recorded in Human Resources, work phone number (if a specific number is assigned to you), reporting structure, and work location.

 

Admin Center Closed to Public During Winter Break

The Administrative Center will be closed to the public during Winter Break from Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025, reopening to the public on Monday, Jan. 6, the same day school resumes. There will be limited staffing on Dec. 23, Dec. 26-27, Dec. 30, and Jan. 2-3, so if you have an appointment or meeting with someone in the Admin Center, they will plan to meet you at the front entrance to let you in. Thank you for your understanding as many Admin Center staff also take this time to spend with family and friends.

 

Partner for Life Award Edupoint seal with star shape in blue and pink

 
 

Northshore Honored with Technology Award

Edupoint® Educational Systems, the creator of Synergy, named the Northshore School District as the recipient of its ninth annual Partner for Life Award, an honor that comes with $10,000 to be used as a student scholarship. Edupoint acknowledged Northshore’s understanding of the power of technology in the learning process and the ability to positively impact student learning as a contributing factor in this recognition.

 

Important Dates

 

Calendar

The following section features non-school days, Northshore School Board meetings, and religious and cultural observances, including dates listed on the Days of Highest Impact and Days of Fasting charts that are part of Northshore’s Religious and Cultural Observances Calendar. This aims to expand awareness about the multiple forms of diversity among our students and families, the days that students may not be at school due to religious observances, and the days that students may be fasting. 

*Begins at sundown of previous day/ends at sundown

Dec. 18

  • Early Release Wednesday

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3

  • Winter Break - No School. School resumes Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Dec. 24

  • Christmas Eve - Christian

Dec. 25

  • Christmas Day - Christian

Dec. 26 - Jan. 2*

  • Hanukkah (Chanukah) - Jewish
 

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. While many celebrate the holiday to honor Jesus' birth, it has also become a worldwide cultural holiday. Many celebrate by attending church, enjoying food together, and exchanging gifts. There have been many iterations of Santa Claus, as well, including St. Nicholas and Father Christmas, with the tradition often including the delivery of gifts. Merry Christmas to all students, staff, and families celebrating in our Northshore community!

Hanukkah (Chanukah)

From sundown of December 25 to January 2, Jewish people around the world will celebrate Hanukkah, or Chanukah, an eight-day holiday. This holiday is known as the “Festival of Lights.” Every evening at sunset, a candle is lit until the last night, when all eight candles are kindled on the Hanukkah Menorah (candelabra). Like many holidays, food is central to Hanukkah’s celebration. The foods at the heart of the holiday are sufganiyot and latkes. A sufganiyot is often described as a cross between a beignet and a jelly donut, and latkes are potato pancakes often eaten with applesauce or sour cream. Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish students, staff, and families celebrating in our Northshore community.

 

Additional Religious and Cultural Observances

The following section features additional important dates, including those listed on the Full Religious and Cultural Observances chart three, which is part of Northshore’s Religious and Cultural Observances Calendar.

Dec. 1-31

  • Universal Human Rights Month - U.S. Culture

Dec. 16-24

  • Simbang Gabi - Filipino Christian
  • Las Posadas - Mexican Culture

Dec. 21

  • Winter Solstice - Neo Pagan

Dec. 26 - Jan. 2

  • Kwanzaa - African Culture
 
 

Nondiscrimination

Northshore School District is enriched by the many experiences and perspectives each individual member brings to our District and community. Therefore, our District prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, cognitive, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Civil Rights and ADA Coordinator for Staff: 
Jerred Kelly
3330 Monte Villa Parkway
Bothell, WA 98021-8972
425-408-7622 or 7604
TitleIXOfficer@nsd.org  

Title IX Coordinator: 
Jerred Kelly
3330 Monte Villa Parkway
Bothell, WA 98021-8972
425-408-7622 or 7604
TitleIXOfficer@nsd.org 

The Northshore School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the District’s academic, activities, or employment programs without discrimination. In addition, the District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups in its programs and activities.

Section 504 and ADA Coordinator for Students: 
Rick Ferrell
Director of Student Services
3330 Monte Villa Parkway
Bothell, WA 98021-8972
425-408-7632
rferrell@nsd.org 

Any Northshore School District staff and community member has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination under this policy without fear of retaliation. The above-listed employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged unlawful discrimination.

 

 

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