September 3, 2024
Dear Northshore Families, Students, and Staff:
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Like some of you, I had a hard time sleeping last night. I was so excited about this morning and the launch of our new school year. It was a successful day for our incredible students and dedicated staff, and I want to share a few highlights.
I started my day with our transportation staff, waving and talking to bus drivers who were off to pick up middle school students. I connected with those same drivers at Canyon Park Middle School after they delivered over three hundred 6th grade students to their first day of middle school.
Here in Northshore, we are committed to supporting strong transitions between elementary, middle, and high school. All of our 6th grade students participate in WEB. WEB, an acronym for Where Everybody Belongs, is a program built on the belief that students want to and can help other students succeed. So, it was fantastic to see staff and our 8th grade WEB leaders at Canyon Park welcoming our newest middle school students. Canyon Park 6th grade students participated in a student-led assembly, games, school tour, and added their handprint and name to the 2031 graduate wall. It was a strong and supportive entry into the middle school experience. Thanks to our 8th grade WEB leaders and staff that make this program possible across all of our Northshore middle schools.
I then headed over to Innovation Lab High School, where students were getting to know each other through an interactive activity. I learned that our ILHS students love the beach, garlic, and video games but are less fond of sending and responding to email. Hopefully some of our secondary students are reading this email! I also sat in on Crew at ILHS. Crew is fundamental to the culture of the school. In Crew, teachers or other staff serve as an advisor for four years with the same group of students - building relationships, trust, and a school family. The personal connection students have to each other and their advisor is inspiring. My time at ILHS concluded with an all school assembly designed and hosted by the Associated Student Body (ASB). Tyler, the ASB President, had students laughing and finding joy from the start. It was such a pleasure to see our student leaders in their element.
I closed out my morning at Westhill Elementary and arrived just in time to see our Kindergarten students entering their classrooms for the first time. They were all smiles and high fives. I then spent time with the 4th grade students, who were practicing saying good morning to their neighbor and in some cases shaking hands. Activities like this help build mutual respect and student connection - setting a positive tone for the school year. Thank you to our staff for prioritizing student belonging in these first few days of school and throughout the year.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support leading up to and during our first day. Just over a week ago, more than 2,000 people including parents and students prepared our schools for today - cleaning, weeding, and painting. And today, hundreds of PTSA members, Administrative Center staff, and other community volunteers poured into our schools to help out. No task was too big or too small.
Our Northshore schools are more than just places of education—they are vibrant communities where students discover their passions, explore new ideas, and build the skills they need for the future they want. Our schools are amazing because of you and your commitment to our students. Thank you.
I am looking forward to visiting more schools tomorrow as the rest of our middle and high school students return. 2024-25 is going to be a really great school year!
In partnership,
Michael Tolley
Superintendent
|