Connections Newsletter News from the Northshore School District December 9, 2024
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Message from the Superintendent
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December 9, 2024
Dear Northshore Community:
As Northshore continues our journey of increasing inclusionary practices and working towards racial and educational justice for each and every student, I am excited to share our new Inclusion and Inclusionary Practices definitions with all of you. You may read the definitions on the Special Education webpage.
Our Special Education Department is providing opportunities for staff, students, and families to help inform the District’s creation of a supportive Myths and Facts webpage - helping to explain how these definitions are operationalized within our schools. The Special Education Advisory Team (SEAT) was the first group to start this feedback loop, followed by Northshore Special Education Community (NSEC) PTSA board members.
At my next Listen and Learn session, tomorrow, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2024, families will have the same opportunity to provide feedback. Families whose children receive special education services will be asked to inform the development of the Myths and Facts webpage, learn more about the work of the Special Education Department, and engage with staff. The Northshore Special Education Community PTSA will also be present to provide information and resources. I hope to see many of our families there. The session will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Administrative Center Board Room (3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell). Additional information about tomorrow’s Listen and Learn session, including an online option is below in the Connections Newsletter.
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One of the many special things about Northshore is how we consistently take care of each other. Addressing persistent food insecurities is one example of this commitment. I want to personally thank our Food Services Department and Administrative Center staff for helping to restock 18 school-based pantries prior to the holiday break. Staff coordinated sorting of over 2,300 donated items into the 18 school pantry and or snack piles. I also want to celebrate Dr. Khedam, Assistant Director of the Northshore Family Engagement and Resource Center. Last week, he was honored as a Hometown Hero by the Woodinville Chamber for his launch of Northshore’s Summer Meal program. Throughout last summer, in partnership with cultural and non-profit organizations and many Northshore parent and student volunteers, we regularly distributed food to over 300 Northshore families. Thank you again to our partners and families for your support of this essential program.
In other news, the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and WASFA, Washington Application for State Financial Aid, are both now open, and we encourage all families to complete the appropriate application to find out what grants, scholarships, and loans your family may qualify for. More information, including helpful webinars, are available below in the Connections Newsletter.
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Finally, as the holiday season unfolds for many Northshore families, I want to take a moment to celebrate the warmth, love, and traditions that make this time of year so special. For many, this season brings joy and a chance to reconnect with loved ones and reflect on the year behind us. I also recognize that the holidays can bring mixed emotions. For some, this season can highlight feelings of loss, stress, or loneliness. If you, your child, or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed or struggling, please know there is help and resources are available. Our Student Services Department has compiled support for students and families, including Care Solace. Care Solace is a complimentary service to Northshore staff, students, and their families and can help you quickly find support options matched to your needs.
Whether you find joy in celebration or comfort in quiet reflection, I hope this season offers you peace and connection.
In partnership,
Michael Tolley Superintendent
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News and Updates
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Across the District, high school counselors and staff are supporting members of the Class of 2025 and their families as they consider their plans for after graduation. For many students, that includes post-secondary education including colleges, universities, and trade school programs. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and WASFA, Washington Application for State Financial Aid, are both now open, and we encourage families to complete the appropriate application to find out what grants, scholarships, and loans your family may qualify for. A student should complete the WASFA if they do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. The following videos provide additional information about applying for financial aid:
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Successful Students and Schools
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On Wednesday, December 4 the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Department held their annual Winter Family Fun Night. Over 500 attendees enjoyed activities, and the MTSS team distributed free winter gear, books, and math resources. Parents/guardians were able to gather information about the federal programs available in Northshore. Other departments such as Student Services, Communications, and Racial and Educational Justice also hosted information tables. Thank you to our community partners including the Northshore Schools Foundation and University of Washington Bothell for joining us. Special shout out to the MTSS Department for creating an unforgettable experience for the families who attended.
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Annually, the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce celebrates members of the community who embody service and compassion for others. During this year’s event, Northshore’s Family Engagement and Resource Center Assistant Director Dr. Srinivas Khedam was honored as a recipient. Dr. Khedam led an effort last summer with six local cultural and faith-based organizations and nonprofits to raise funds and donations to provide food and hygiene items to Northshore families, serving more than 1,000 individuals on an ongoing basis with $30,000 raised. Congratulations, Dr. Khedam! Learn more about Woodinville Chamber’s Hometown Heroes.
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School Board News
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Upcoming Events
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Superintendent Tolley’s fall and winter Listen & Learn sessions are an opportunity to share information and hear back from families and students. School Board representatives will also be present at each session. A full list of dates are available on the Superintendent’s website, and the next sessions will take place on:
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Racial and Educational Justice
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E-Flyers
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Below are links to community E-flyers that were recently approved for sharing with District families. These activities are not sponsored nor endorsed by the Northshore School District or any of its schools.
The District assumes no responsibility for the conduct during or the safety of the activities. Northshore School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials including attorney's fees and judgment or awards.
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Partnerships & Volunteers
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Important Dates
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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. 9
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
Dec. 18
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3
Dec. 24
Dec. 25
Dec. 26 - Jan. 2*
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
Dec. 12
Dec. 16-24
Dec. 21
Dec. 26 - Jan. 2
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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. |