Connections: January 13, 2025

Connections: January 13, 2025

Northshore School District logo in blue

Connections Newsletter

News from the Northshore School District

January 13, 2025

Message from the Superintendent

January 13, 2025

 

Dear Northshore Community:  

 

I hope you all had the opportunity to rest and reconnect with loved ones during our winter break. January marks a time of reflection and goal setting for the next year. I really appreciate this tradition as it encourages me to pause and consider what went well and how to advance our commitment to our District’s mission - strengthening our community through excellence in education. While we had a number of challenges in 2024, including the state’s continued failure to fully fund public education, we also had many shared successes and highlights, as outlined on our district website.

 

These outcomes reflect the efforts of many - our staff, families, and our incredible students. I hope that you are also proud of the progress we are making to ensure an excellent education for each and every one of our Northshore students. 

January 2025 is shaping up to be busy. Below are key dates you should be aware of: 

 

  • Open enrollment for Kindergarten, new 1-12th grade students, and Choice Schools and Programs began on Wednesday, January 8th. Please make sure your neighbors, families, and friends are aware. The sooner we enroll new students, the better for our 2025-26 School Year Budget Development and planning purposes. 
  • 2025-26 School Year Budget Development process continues. I continue to be committed to transparency as we build our budget for next school year. The next School Board Budget Development Study Session is scheduled for today Monday, January 13. You may view a live stream of the presentation by visiting the Board’s webpage. I also recommend you review the School Board’s State Funding webpage. It includes helpful information about our Legislative Priorities and how to share your perspective with your state elected officials. Additional 2025-26 School Year Budget Development information can be found on the Northshore website
  • On January 20, 2025 we will celebrate and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. As a reminder schools will be closed. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech reminds us of our enduring fight for justice. While progress has been made there is still work to be done, and a quality education accessible to each and every student is essential for Dr. King’s vision to become a reality. Together, we must act with courage and compassion to realize this commitment. I hope you take time on January 20th to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and what it means for you, your children, and our Northshore community. 
  • Northshore’s Visit to Olympia. On January 27 Northshore School Board Directors, staff, and students will visit with our Legislative representatives in Olympia. Together, we will share the consequences of chronic underfunding of our public schools and what it means for our District. I look forward to sharing back with you how this visit goes. 

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and honor our Northshore School Board Directors during School Board Recognition Month (Jan. 1-31). Our School Board members devote countless hours to shaping the vision and direction of public education in our community. Their steadfast leadership ensures that each and every Northshore student has access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. I am grateful for each of them and all that they do for our staff, students, and their families. 

 

Please join me in recognizing and thanking our Northshore School Board Directors for their exceptional service during School Board Recognition Month and beyond.

 

In partnership,

 

Michael Tolley

Superintendent

 

Successful Students and Schools

Students learning about robotics

 

Robotics Brings Together Maywood Hills and Bothell High Students

Recently, Maywood Hills Elementary and Bothell High School came together for the start of an after-school club collaboration between interested third-grade students and the Bothell High School Robotics Club. During the first gathering, 36 third-grade students participated, and when they meet next, they will start coding. Thank you to everyone involved from both schools who is supporting this great learning experience.

Students and admin posing with donations

 

Student-run Nonprofits Make Holiday Impact

Giving back to the community, one gift at a time! The amazing student-led nonprofits Nile4You, Compassion Connects, and the Mihua Foundation donated gifts, clothes, and food to students and families facing barriers this holiday season. We’re proud to continue supporting our community through the Family Engagement and Resource Center. Thank you to all the generous volunteers who make this possible!

 

News and Updates

Reminder: Important January Dates

This month, there are two weekdays with no school: Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Monday, Jan. 27 for a non-student/teacher grading day. Second semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 28. 

Enrollment is Open for the 2025-26 School Year

New student enrollment, including Kindergarten, for the 2025-26 school year is now open. Families who have students currently enrolled in a Northshore school this school year do not need to re-enroll, but we would appreciate it if you would please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may have new students. 

 

Enrollment is completed online. Directions on how to enroll, including what documentation is required, can be found on the District enrollment webpage.

 

Choice School and Program applications are also open for all students. In addition to excellent neighborhood schools, Northshore offers a variety of choice schools and programs. A choice school may be exactly what your child needs to thrive academically and socially. Families are invited to apply directly to our choice schools and programs. To learn more about Northshore’s choice options visit our Choice Schools and Programs webpage.

Transportation department standing in front of a bus

 

Transportation Received Perfect Score on State Patrol Inspection

The Transportation Department received a 100% Washington State Patrol Inspection in December, which was administered without advanced warning. During the unexpected visit, 25 percent of the fleet is inspected by the state patrol to make sure our buses are safe for students and the road. Congratulations and thank you to the mechanics, driver trainers, routers, dispatchers, and drivers who make sure our buses are safe and in compliance at all times. This summer, the department will go through another scheduled inspection, in which all buses will be inspected.

Cricket Registration Open Until Jan. 17

Northshore Cricket will launch after Spring Break in April for interested students in middle and high school. For the first time, the tournament will be partly student-led, with a dedicated group of students on the Student Cricket Committee guiding the process. This volunteer-driven program gives students a chance to try cricket, a sport quickly gaining popularity in the U.S. Interested families should register their student(s) by Friday, Jan. 17 to help us build teams and plan the tournament. Learn more about Northshore Cricket on the registration website.

Invitation to Sign Up for Student Device Protection Program

It’s not too late to sign up for the Device Protection Program (DPP), which covers the device (Chromebook, Macbook, or iPad) loaned to your student against accidental damage for the school year. This program does NOT cover damage resulting from misuse or loss of the device. The standard payment to enroll in the Student Device Protection Plan is $25 per year; free for students who have qualified for free or reduced-price meals and who have provided consent to share their status for fee waivers. If the assigned device is accidentally damaged, families will be charged according to a deductible schedule if enrolled in the Device Protection Program. If there is no DPP on file for a student when damage occurs and the fine is assessed, the full repair cost will be charged. Learn more about the program on our website.

 

School Board News

Picture of the board

 

Connect with the Northshore Board of Directors

The Northshore Board of Directors represents all of our families and residents, and board members encourage you to learn more and get engaged in the business of the District. In this section you will find information about school board meetings, including upcoming meetings and information about past meetings. Links are included for more information.

 

Upcoming Meetings and Topics

  • Monday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board (view the agenda).
  • Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Study Session of the Board (view the agenda). Topic: 2025-26 Budget Development

 

Past Meeting Highlights

  • Dec. 9 Regular Meeting of the Board (view the agenda and draft minutes). Business included: Authorization to surplus five portable buildings, revised Superintendent Parameter 12 - Financial Administration, determined School Board liaison assignments for 2025, and other regular business.
  • Dec. 9 Study Session of the Board (view the agenda and draft minutes). The topic was Northshore’s Comprehensive Counseling Plan.

 

School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board recognition month! Please join us in recognizing our School Board members for their devotion to shaping the vision and direction of public education in our community.

 

Upcoming Events

High School Students: Seattle's Black College Expo is Jan. 18

The 7th Annual Seattle Black College Expo is taking place on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. High school seniors and juniors will be able to meet one-on-one with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other colleges, universities, and educational programs to get answers or get accepted right on the spot. The expo is open to students of all ages. Everyone is welcome! Learn more or register online.

 

E-Flyers

E-Flyers

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.

 

Partnerships and Volunteers

Foundation Distributes Books to Families During Northshore Rotary Holiday Event

During the Northshore Rotary’s Santa Breakfast in December, the Northshore Schools Foundation distributed more than 700 books to Northshore students and families. Santa's Breakfast is an annual event hosted by Northshore Rotary, established to support Northshore families.  

 

The Foundation’s Care Teams Liaisons, who are designated staff members or educators at Northshore schools and programs, nominated students who would benefit from attending the event. The Foundation takes pride in promoting joy and literacy across our community, fostering a love for reading and learning that inspires growth and connection. Thank you to the Care Team Liaisons, Northshore Rotary, and everyone who donated books to the Foundation.

 

 

Learn About Student Wellness and Safety Task Force Recommendations

The Northshore Council Emergency Preparedness (E-prep) Team is hosting a special meeting on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Zoom with guest speaker Executive Director of Communications and Engagement Carri Campbell, who will present the recommendations of the District’s Student Wellness and Safety Task Force. Anyone in the Northshore community is invited to join the presentation/discussion to learn more about the task force and its recommendations. Learn more, including how to register to attend on the Northshore Council PTSA’s website.

 

 

Northshore Council PTA Invites Community to Join in Olympia Visit

Students, teachers, parents, and community members are all welcome to join PTAs across the state in Olympia on Monday, Feb. 17 to share the importance of increased K-12 funding with our elected legislators. If you would like to participate, please register here. The Northshore Council PTSA carpool will leave the Bothell Park and Ride at 7 a.m. If you want to join the carpool, have any questions, or want to learn more about Northshore PTA advocacy efforts, please email Advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Artwork displayed

 

People looking at art

Student Reflections Contributions Showcased

Congratulations to our Northshore students who participated in Reflections this school year! The Reflections Art Program is a National PTA cultural arts competition that provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Northshore Council PTSA recently announced that there are 59 State Qualifiers who will continue on to the Washington State PTA level for further judging and could advance to Nationals! There are also 14 pieces that received the honorable Judge's Choice Award. Judge’s Choice recipients are noted for their amazing creativity, but do not continue to the state level of judging. On Jan. 11, the community gathered for the annual Reflections Reception to celebrate the work of our remarkable students. Learn more about this year’s program on the Northshore Council PTSA website.

 

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. 

 

Jan. 1-31

  • School Board Recognition Month

Jan. 13

  • School Board Regular Meeting, 4:30 p.m.
  • School Board Study Session, 7 p.m. - Topic: 2025-26 Budget Development

Jan. 15

  • Early Release Wednesday

Jan. 16

  • Temperance and Good Citizenship Day

Jan. 20

  • Martin Luther King Day - No School

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. 5

  • Early Release Wednesday

Feb. 7

  • Elementary Schools Only - Early Dismissal for Conferences by Invite

 

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.

 

Jan. 13

  • Lohri - Hindu

Jan. 14-17

  • Makar Sankranti/Pongal - Hindu

Jan. 14

  • Orthodox New Year - Christian

Jan. 27

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

 

*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.

 

 

District News

 

 

Superintendent's Blog