June 17, 2024: Celebrating our graduates and retirees

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

June 17, 2024

Dear Northshore Colleagues: 

Last week, we celebrated our 2023-24 Northshore graduates from Adults Transitioning to Independence (ATI) and Secondary Academy for Success (SAS). Each graduating class was honored in very personal ways. At ATI, students led significant portions of the graduation event and shared with those in attendance their experience at ATI, future plans, and personal gratitude for those that have supported them along the way. The SAS graduation was filled with meaningful moments - from student-provided music, to a slide show, and numerous student speakers. As each graduate received their diploma, three words that describe them were read out loud to the audience. The three descriptive words were selected by SAS staff who knew each student well. Special recognitions were also given to SAS students honoring humanitarian efforts, leadership, scholarships, and the SAS staff award. At the Adult Transition Pathways (ATP) celebration event, students and their families celebrated the progress made this year with the support from their dedicated teachers - many of them who have supported our students over multiple years. 

A common theme across all of last week’s celebrations is the importance of relationship and connection. A number of times, students shared that at school they felt seen by their peers and or the school’s staff. Students shared hopes and dreams and there was a lot of laughter and tears. It was a joyous week, and I am so proud of all that our graduates have accomplished and what they will achieve next. 

Last week was also the first Latino Graduation Celebration. Hosted by Northshore’s Family Engagement Specialists and a group of parent leaders, the event celebrated our Spanish-speaking graduates and their families. Over 400 people attended. The evening included student speakers, cultural dances, music, and food. Thank you to our Family Engagement Specialists and parent leaders for planning this special evening. Northshore Schools Foundation also provided stoles for the students. Many of the students who attended will wear their stoles at their school’s graduation this week. 

Graduations are continuing this week. The full list of Northshore graduations can be found on the District website. I hope to see and celebrate with many of you. 

Thursday of last week was an opportunity to thank and celebrate our retirees. You can read more about the celebration in the District Highlights below. I am so grateful for the years of service these dedicated individuals have given to Northshore, our students, and broader community. Thank you. 

Finally, this Wednesday, June 19, Northshore will be closed in recognition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is an annual observance that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved African Americans were freed in the state of Texas. This was the last state to adhere to the Proclamation, and a local Freedom Day celebration the next year has since turned into an annual day of observance in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom, independence, advancements, and culture. For those who are interested, ParentMap Magazine has compiled a list of local Juneteenth celebrations and recognition events. 

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.

Northshore celebrates its 2023-24 retirees

Congratulations to the 81 Northshore staff members who have retired or are planning to soon retire from the Northshore School District. These individuals have served Northshore schools and students for a total of approximately 1,611 years. Congratulations on the significant impact you have made to the students and families of our district! On June 13, retirees gathered together to celebrate their years of service and retirement during a district recognition event. Visit our website for a list of the 2023-24 retirees, photos from the event, and more.

Grad Walks: Connecting High School Seniors to their Elementary Schools

During the past week, several of our elementary schools have continued a long-standing tradition, or started a new tradition, of inviting back the high school seniors who are now graduating to visit their former elementary school. On these visits, they walk the halls, get high fives from elementary school students, and in some cases, connect with former teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to connect with older students and learn about their accomplishments, and for older students to model for younger students what their future holds. The above photos are from recent grad walks at Crystal Springs Elementary and East Ridge Elementary.

Northshore Council PTSA Awards

On Friday, June 7, the Northshore Council PTSA held its Spring 2024 Recognition Event. The following student, educators, and parent volunteers were recognized for their outstanding support of students and families. 

• Outstanding Student
  Taanvi Arekapudi, Inglemoor High School
• Outstanding Educator
  Renee Nicholas, Frank Love
  Cole Van Gerpen, Canyon Park Middle School
• Golden Acorn
  Jenn Snyder
• Outstanding Advocate
  Terra Droney
• Outstanding Service
  Laura Staneff
• Honorary Life Membership
  Rachel Fitzgerald

In addition, the Northshore Council PTSA was recognized as the Outstanding Council of the Year by the Washington State PTA. This award was presented at the WSPTA 111th Annual Convention and Business Meeting which was held May 17-19, 2024. In addition to this incredible honor, Northshore Council PTSA was also recognized with several other awards:

• Platinum Award for Standards of Excellence
• Gold Award for Outstanding Communication Strategies
• Gold Award for Outstanding Website
• Silver Award for Outstanding Newsletter

A full list of 2023-24 school-based PTA award recipients, including our educators, can be found on the Northshore Council website. 

Register Now to Participate in Northshore’s Blood Drive on June 27

The Bloodworks Northwest mobile unit will be in the parking lot of the Admin Center, 3330 Monte Villa Parkway in Bothell, on Thursday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive is open to the public. Please make an appointment at www.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 800-398-7888. Donating blood is safe and takes no more than an hour, arrival to departure. All donors must show photo ID and are carefully screened for meds, illnesses, and recent travels that might result in a deferral, to keep the blood supply safe.

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.