June 3, 2024: June Celebrations

June 3, 2024

Dear Northshore Colleagues: 

Since my last staff communication, there have been a number of notable student athletic and academic achievements. Congratulations to the many Northshore teams and individual students that have been recognized for their efforts. I also want to acknowledge the mentorship and support our staff provides students in realizing these achievements. As a former football and wrestling coach, I know how valuable your role is in the development of our students - both in advance of competition but also the leadership skills they gain and apply throughout their lifetime. Thank you. Below are a couple highlights of our collective achievements. To view more student achievements, please visit the district’s social media sites on Facebook and Instagram. 

It is really hard to believe that June is already here. Besides September and all of the excitement and possibility it holds, June is my favorite school month as we celebrate our students and the staff that guide, teach, and support them. I look forward to celebrating our Northshore graduates along with many of you next week. This will be the first of two graduation weeks from June 10 to June 21st. Thank you in advance to the many staff working behind the scenes to make the graduation events meaningful and memorable for our students. The full list of Northshore graduations can be found on the District website. 

This coming Friday, is the Northshore Council PTSA’s Spring Recognition Event. At this event, members of the PTA are recognized for their contributions to our community and students, along with staff and administrators from the district. And, next Thursday we are celebrating this year’s retirees. I am really excited about honoring our staff for their unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to our Northshore students over the years. More information about each retiree will be posted and shared next week.

And of course, June is PRIDE month. Northshore is unapologetic in our commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming, and safe learning and work environments. PRIDE is another opportunity to affirm our values. I want to acknowledge the members of the Racial and Educational Justice Department (REJ) who help to guide this essential work by providing supportive resources. For a number of years, REJ has published PRIDE resources on their webpage for your convenience.  

Please take a moment to review the District’s Highlights below. And, thank you for everything you do every day for our students. You are appreciated. 

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.

Bothell High Teacher receives NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence

Congratulations to world languages teacher Ben Fisher-Rodriguez for his recent NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes educators from around the country who promote both excellence in education and advocacy for the profession. Ben was presented this award last month in Washington D.C., where he met with honorees from 43 other states for networking and advocacy training. Congratulations, Ben!

Class of 2024 National Merit Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Bennett Ye, member of Inglemoor High School’s Class of 2024, who will receive a college scholarship through the National Merit Scholarship program. Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the Finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship program and met criteria of their scholarship sponsors. 

It’s not too late to get financial aid for college or training

High school staff, the following message from OSPI about the financial aid process this year may be helpful as you continue to talk with members of the Class of 2024. Please share this information with anyone who would benefit.

You may have heard that the FAFSA application is different this year. Despite initial delays, financial aid is still available and there are many great reasons to apply:

• The FAFSA form is shorter and easier to complete than ever before. Review these demonstration videos (in English and Spanish) that walk through the application process for students and families.
• Half of families in Washington qualify for financial aid through WA Grant. For many people, tuition could even be free! Learn more at WAgrant.org.
• WA Grant can help pay for college, career training, certificate programs, or approved apprenticeships. Washington offers many affordable options for education or training beyond high school.
• It’s never too late to apply for financial aid! State and federal aid is available year-round. Some colleges have specific deadlines, but others offer open admission.

Graduation is here, and you are ready for your next adventure. Financial aid can help you get there. Learn more and get help applying at WAgrant.org/fafsa. 

High School Commencement Schedule

This month, we will celebrate the culmination of our students’ K-12 learning experience in Northshore during the following ceremonies:

• Adults Transitioning to Independence on June 10
• Adult Transition Pathways on June 11
• Secondary Academy for Success on June 14
• Bothell High School on June 17
• North Creek High School on June 17
• Woodinville High School on June 18
• Inglemoor High School on June 18
• Northshore Learning Options on June 20
• Innovation Lab High School on June 21

Dive into SmartHealth and learn about First Choice EAP

The District has partnered with the Washington State Health Care Authority to launch a custom SmartHealth activity! The activity will highlight the benefits and resources available through the Northshore School District's Employee Assistance Program.

The "Northshore School District EAP" activity became available on June 1. By learning more about the District's complimentary EAP program, you will earn 100 SmartHealth points!

SmartHealth is Washington State's voluntary wellness program, a valuable resource that supports overall well-being. The best part? It's part of your SEBB benefits, and it won't cost you a thing. By participating in SmartHealth, you can earn points that can lead to a wellness incentive for eligible subscribers.

Learn more about SmartHealth:

• Visit SmartHealth (SEBB)
• Watch the SmartHealth Overview video
• Review Accessing SmartHealth for step-by-step log on instructions

Upcoming SmartHealth Webinar - Nutrition Made Easier

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. 

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.

*Begins at sundown of previous day/ends at sundown

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.