Racial & Educational Justice
Northshore is committed to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment within our school district community so that all students, families and staff feel welcomed, valued and supported. We recognize and advocate for the racial, ethnic, cultural, disability/ability, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, economic and religious diversity in our district.
What is racial and educational justice?
Land and Peoples Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the Northshore School District functions on Coast Salish lands in the areas that have been colonized, occupied, and renamed to Bothell, Kenmore, Redmond, and Woodinville. We acknowledge the experiences of genocide, forced relocation, ethnic cleansing, and land theft of Indigenous peoples and sacred lands so we can build our awareness of how settler colonization still exists today. We honor the ways of knowing and ways of being of Indigenous peoples and tribal nations, who are still here and thriving, in our district-community. We resolve to learn from these realities and partner with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders to work toward a justice-driven educational experience for each student, family, community member, and educator in Northshore. We also acknowledge that this is a working land acknowledgement that will continue to evolve as our partnership with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders expands.
Elementary Adapted Land and Peoples Acknowledgement
My classroom and my school are in the Northshore School District, which is on Coast Salish lands. Indigenous peoples and their lands have gone through hurtful things in the past and some of those things still go on today. We respect Indigenous peoples and tribal nations, who are still here and living in our community. We will work with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders to keep learning how to make a difference in our community and in our school.
Our Mission and Work
We are dedicated to moving toward the positive culture outcomes students deserve. We work to develop a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all students, parents and staff.
The Racial and Educational Justice Department
Learn about who is in the department.
Religious and Cultural Observances Calendar
Our calendar aims to expand the 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.
Cultural Recognitions
Find out more about the monthly observances and celebrations that Northshore School District celebrates throughout the school year.
Racial and Educational Justice Committee
Our committee, comprised of staff, students and community members, provides guidance to District leadership on issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Eastside Native American Education Program
The Eastside Native American Education Program provides culturally relevant activities, family programs and enrichment opportunities to Native American, American Indian, and Alaskan Native children
Resources for Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members
To support our district-community in ongoing learning, strategies, and tools, we continuously update our resource lists. We continue to collaborate with our shareholders to maintain our resource list.
Gender Inclusive Schools
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school.
Student Collaboration Projects
2025 Student Justice Conference
The Racial and Educational Justice Department will offer its second annual Student Justice Conference on Friday, March 28, 2025, and the event will be open to high school students in Northshore. This year’s theme is “Unapologetically Dreaming, Designing & Doing for Justice.”
Student Justice Collective
The Student Justice Collective is comprised of high school students to expand opportunities for youth leadership, help students come together across schools, and co-construct a space in which students can learn with and from one another.