January 21, 2025: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Message from the Superintendent

January 21, 2025

Dear Colleagues: 

Yesterday, my family and I celebrated the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As I have previously shared, I grew up in the deep south, South Carolina. Overt racism, including segregation, was still common in my youth. So, the message that Dr. King shared on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial was truly revolutionary at the time. It was a message of hope, unity, of freedom, and opportunity for all children. 

And while progress towards Dr. King’s vision has been made, there is still work to be done. As educators we are still fighting for racial and educational justice - for each other and our students. We must continue to act with courage and compassion to realize this commitment, and I look forward to continuing this moral work with each of you. 

I also want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared values in Northshore. We will continue to be a school district that honors our commitments to each and every student, their families, and staff. We will continue to provide safe, inclusive, and welcoming working and learning environments. Above all, we will continue to care for each other and demonstrate kindness. 

These values are the foundation of our District policies, procedures, and how we interact with each other and our students. Below, in District Highlights, staff have included OSPI guidance, Northshore policy, and procedure reminders in support of our students. Please review this information. 

I hope each of you has a great week, and I look forward to connecting with you out in schools and in your departments. 

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.

All children present in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have a right to attend public school. In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in the case Plyler v. Doe, confirming that states cannot deny students a free, public education based on their immigration status or their parents’ or guardians’ immigration status. Immigration status and citizenship, like other student data, is protected under FERPA. Northshore employees should not ask for or record a student’s immigration status. Learn more about immigrant student rights, related Northshore Policies and Procedures, and other resources here.

Northshore School District strives to be a place where all students are seen, valued, supported, and affirmed. This means that in alignment with Gender Inclusive Schools Policy 3211, we support an inclusive approach 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. To further support our students and to provide additional guidance to administrators and staff, the School Board approved a refresh of Gender Inclusive Schools Procedure 3211P in August 2024. In addition to this refresh being a student-centered action, the procedure also ensures that the District is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws concerning student safety, privacy, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination. If you have questions, please contact the Racial and Educational Justice Department at educationaljustice@nsd.org.

Policy 3207 prohibits harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) in Northshore School District. The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students. 3207P provides definitions of HIB, how to report incidents, investigation steps, and resolution including discipline and support for the targeted student.

The District recognizes that any significant change in leadership, whether at the local or national level, may result in a range of emotions. If you are feeling like you need help, please seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). First Choice Health is the Employee Assistance Program provider for the Northshore School District. The EAP offers up to 4 sessions face-to-face or telehealth (no co-pay, deductible or premium) with a qualified clinical expert who can assess your concerns and develop a plan of action. Call (800) 777-4114 or visit the First Choice EAP website to request an appointment. Username: nsd

On Jan. 27th Northshore representatives will meet with our Legislators in Olympia to share how chronic underfunding of K12 education is impacting our students, staff, and broader community. On Feb. 17, the Northshore PTA Council will return to Olympia to share the same message during the statewide Focus Day. In addition, you can track K12 funding bills by visiting the School Board’s State Funding Webpage. Bill information can be found under the “Additional Resources” section of the page.

This May, the Bothell High School Jazz 1 musicians, under the direction of Phil Dean, will travel to New York City for the Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Competition & Festival. The free Essentially Ellington competition is one of the most innovative jazz education events in the world. This is the 30th anniversary of Essentially Ellington, so organizers have increased the celebration, inviting 30 ensembles and expanding the reach outside of North America, with high school bands from Australia, Japan, and Spain invited. These outstanding musicians will spend five days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances at the “House of Swing,” Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Congratulations Bothell Jazz 1!

This month, demolition of five portables along 168th Avenue NE near NE 195th Street on the northeast corner of the Leota Middle School property took place in preparation for the next step in the school’s phased replacement project. New temporary portables to house these classes during construction are now located near the tennis courts. The cleared land will be the location of a future building on the Leota campus. Beginning Jan. 28, 2025, there will be a new process for student drop-off and pick-up due to the construction affecting the parking lot near the main office. The 2022 Capital Bond, which was generously approved by Northshore voters, is funding Phase I of the replacement project at Leota.

Important Dates

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. 

Jan. 1-31

• School Board Recognition Month

Jan. 22

• Early Release Wednesday

Jan. 27

• Non-Student/Teacher Grading Day
• School Board Study Session, 5:30 p.m. - Topic: Strategic Goal 1: Success in the Early Years
• School Board Regular Meeting, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29

• Lunar New Year - East and South Asian Culture
• Early Release Wednesday

Feb. 1-28

• Black History Month

Feb. 5

• Early Release Wednesday

Feb. 7

• Elementary Schools Only - Early Dismissal for Conferences by Invite

Feb. 10

• School Board Regular Meeting, 4:30 p.m.
• School Board Study Session, 6 p.m. - Topic: 2026 Bond and Levy Planning

Feb. 12

• Early Release Wednesday

Feb. 17

• Presidents’ Day - No School

Feb. 18-21

• Mid-Winter Break - No School

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.

*Begins at sundown of previous day/ends at sundown

Jan. 27

• Isra and Mi’raj* - Islamic
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Feb. 1

• Imbolc* - Neo Pagan

Feb. 13

• Tu B’Shvat/Tu B’Shevat* - Jewish

Feb. 14

• Valentine’s Day - U.S. Culture

Feb. 15

• Nirvana Day - Buddhist

Feb. 19

• Day of Remembrance (Japanese Internment) - U.S. Culture

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.