Welcome!
Northshore School District's 2022-23 Calendar
Strengthening Our Community Through Excellence in Education
- Northshore Schools & Programs
- Message from the Interim Superintendent
- Strategic Plan Goals & Board of Directors
Northshore Schools & Programs
Visit the Start & Dismissal Times webpage for current information about our schools and programs.
Visit the Start & Dismissal Times page for current information on our schools and programs.
Message from the Interim Superintendent
Hello Northshore Community!
Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! I am honored and excited to be the interim superintendent for the Northshore School District and to serve this great community. These past few years have tested us, and I am proud of how our Northshore community rose to the challenge. We learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and saw great things happen for students when we worked together.
While we may continue to face challenges, it’s time to focus on what we do best – educating students. Access to high-quality teaching and learning is every student’s right, and it is our responsibility to deliver what each student needs to be successful. This school year, we will be laser-focused on making sure that each and every student receives what they need – when they need it – to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As your interim superintendent I want to continue learning what is working for our students and where there are areas for growth. I look forward to sharing the District’s refreshed Strategic Plan and hearing directly from students, families, staff, District partners, and community members. Please visit the District’s website for engagement dates and details.
Northshore School District can be the best public education system in the nation – providing every student the education and future they deserve. Together we can help make students’ hopes and dreams a reality.
In partnership,
Michael Tolley, Interim Superintendent
superintendent@nsd.org
Strategic Plan Goals & Board of Directors
The Northshore School District Board of Directors and staff appreciate your interest in Northshore public schools.
The Board of Directors consists of five members elected to serve, without compensation, for overlapping terms of four years each. While all school board members are elected from the district at large and represent the entire district, each school board position must come from one of five school board director districts. The board can better represent its constituents when you and others observe the board in action, express opinions and raise questions. Public participation and open lines of communication are vital to the educational success of our students.
Strategic Plan Goals
GOAL 1 » Success in the early years
GOAL 2 » Responsible, resilient, empathetic learners
GOAL 3 » Growth for every student, elimination of outcome and opportunity gaps
GOAL 4 » Innovative, creative, critical thinkers
GOAL 5 » Ready for lifelong success after graduation
More details about our 2022-27 Strategic Plan can be found at www.nsd.org/strategicplan
Board of Directors
Jacqueline McGourty, DISTRICT 1
PRESIDENT, Term expires 2025
425.408.7683, sbdistrict1@nsd.org
Bob Swain, DISTRICT 2
MEMBER, Term expires 2023
425.408.7687, sbdistrict2@nsd.org
David Cogan, DISTRICT 3
VICE PRESIDENT, Term expires 2023
425.408.7689, sbdistrict3@nsd.org
Sandy Hayes, DISTRICT 4
MEMBER, Term expires 2025
425.408.7690, sbdistrict4@nsd.org
Amy Cast, DISTRICT 5
MEMBER, Term expires 2025
425.408.7691, sbdistrict5@nsd.org
Board Meetings
Board meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 4 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. For additional information and to learn about our School Board members, please visit the website at www.nsd.org/board.
Important Dates
Please view all important dates from September 2022 through August 2023 on the monthly calendar, including no school days, early dismissal days, and religious and cultural observances of highest impact or days of fasting.
Annual Notifications
- Emergency Information
- Release of Student Information
- Student Information
- Food and Nutrition Services
- District Information
- Using Technology at School
- District Programs, Services, and Choice Schools
- Partnerships Support Student Achievement
- Important Telephone Numbers and Websites
- Interpreter / Translation Services for Parents
Emergency Information
Emergencies such as inclement weather, power outages, and hazardous road conditions can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation. The decision to close or delay schools is made by the Superintendent as early as possible, usually around 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals will occur only if delay in dismissal significantly increases hazards. In the event an early dismissal is required, it is important that you have a plan for your student.
The decision to close schools or delay start times will be announced on www.flashalert.net, most radio and television stations, and the District website. Families will be notified using the District’s emergency messaging systems and mobile app. You may also call the District information line at 425.408.6001, beginning at 6 a.m., for school closure information.
Emergency make-up days will be added to the end of the school year (and May 26). If “Northshore School District #417” is not mentioned during the newscast, it means schools are open, with buses operating as normally as possible. If Northshore is mentioned, one of the following situations will be announced:
- “2 HOURS LATE, NORMAL BUS ROUTES” MEANS:
- Buses start 2 hours late on normal routes
- School starts 2 hours late with regular full day dismissal time
- All partial programs canceled
- No ATI Networks, Sorenson ECC, Head Start, Early Childhood Education and Assistance program, or preschool/pre-k programs, Dartmoor, Brocks, and Dolan Academy
- No in-district CTE satellite shuttles
- No out-of-district transportation
- No zero-period classes
- No before-school activities
2. “2 HOURS LATE, SNOW (LIMITED OR ALTERNATE) BUS ROUTES” MEANS:
- Buses start 2 hours late on snow (limited or alternate) routes. Visit nsd.org/bus to find snow routes.
- School starts 2 hours late with regular full-day dismissal time
- All partial programs canceled
- No ATI Networks, Sorenson ECC, Head Start, Early Childhood Education and Assistance program, or preschool/pre-k programs, Dartmoor, Brocks, and Dolan Academy
- No in-district CTE satellite shuttles
- No out-of-district transportation
- No zero-period classes
- No before-school activities
3. “ON TIME, SNOW (LIMITED OR ALTERNATE) BUS ROUTES” MEANS:
- Buses start at normal time on snow (limited or alternate) routes. Visit nsd.org/bus to find snow routes.
4. “CLOSED” MEANS:
- All district schools closed
- No after-school/evening activities, athletics, or band/orchestra
- No out-of-district transportation
STUDENT INJURIES AND INSURANCE COVERAGE
The health and safety of our students is of utmost importance to the District. Even so, accidents may and do happen and resulting medical bills may be expensive. Please know the District doesn’t carry insurance for student personal injury costs and cannot assume responsibility for them. Typically, if your child gets hurt during school activities you, as the parent or guardian, are responsible for any medical expenses. This includes students participating in athletics. Please make certain your family insurance plan covers athletic participation.
As a service, we provide information on optional student insurance plans. These plans are used by many school districts across the state and are administered by Myers-Stevens & Toohey, Inc. For more information, please visit our website or go directly to the Myers website at myers-stevens.com (or 800.827.4695).
SAFE SCHOOLS ALERT
Students, staff, and members of the community can report concerns anonymously by using the SafeSchools Alert. Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. SafeSchools Alert is not monitored 24 hours a day. Any in-progress or life safety event should be reported immediately to 911.
- Email: 1414@alert1.us
- Phone: 855.521.2665
- Text: 855.521.2665
- Online: http://1414.alert1.us
STUDENT SAFETY
The safety of staff, students, and parents is Northshore’s top priority. The District is committed to providing positive and productive school and work environments that are free from discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying. More information and resources regarding safe interaction with students is available on the District’s website at www.nsd.org. Northshore continues to take proactive measures to protect the safety of all students and staff. The District shares plans with first responders to assure district plans are made in concert with all other local emergency preparedness plans. The District and all schools have safety and security plans in place that are reviewed yearly by the site Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Northshore students, staff, or community members should report suspicious activities in and around our schools by calling 9-1-1 and the District’s 24-hour emergency number, 425.485.9535. Anonymous reports can be made to the District by using the SafeSchools Alert.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANS (EOP)
Emergency Operation Plans set guidelines to manage a disaster in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. The EOP will help the District respond to emergencies, support schools during an emergency, and restore the District or individual schools back to normal operations as quickly as is possible per the severity of the emergency. Each school site in the District has a Safety/Emergency Prep Committee that plans for unique situations related to the school site.
More detailed Safety/Emergency Prep information can be found at www.nsd.org/safety.
Release of Student Information
Federal law prohibits schools from releasing student information without parent/guardian permission, except for what is termed “directory information.” Directory information about students may be released by the District without parental consent. The District will not release directory information for commercial or fundraising purposes.
Directory information includes the following: Student’s name, address, telephone listings, electronic email address, photograph and audio/video depiction, student’s projects/artwork, date of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. Release of student directory information is guided by Board Policy 3250.
Images of students are sometimes used in printed, web or video-based district or school-produced materials, or for use by the news media. Published photos in yearbooks, student/school newspapers, school handbooks, etc., and the electronic media, including websites, are considered public domain and can be reproduced by the media.
Parents/guardians who do not want their student’s directory information released must complete the online Permission to Withhold Directory Information form by October 14. The form is available at nsd.org. This form should be submitted annually online on or before October 14 of the current school year. Forms will be accepted after the deadline, but the District cannot be responsible for the release of directory information if the Permission to Withhold Student Information form is received after the October 14 deadline of the current school year. Extractions of Directory Information to non-district persons or outside organizations will not be processed between the first day of school and October 14 of the current school year.
The withhold directory restriction will remain on your student’s record for the current school year. Families will have the opportunity to subscribe yearly. The District will honor your request to withhold the information as listed, but cannot assume responsibility for contacting you for subsequent permission to release that information. Should you initially decide to withhold Student Directory Information, you may authorize the cancellation of your request at any time during the current school year.
Please submit one form for each child in your household. The online submission form is available on the District website, www.nsd.org. Forms must be submitted each year your child is enrolled if you wish to continue withholding the information. Students who are 18 years or older may submit this notification themselves.
OBTAINING STUDENT RECORDS
Parents and eligible students have the right to:
- Inspect and review the student’s education records;
- Request the amendment of student education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights;
- Consent to most disclosures of personally identifiable information from education records; (see release of student information) except to the extent that the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the regulations in this part authorize disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist.) A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility;
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures to comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Obtain a copy of School Board Policy 3600 Student Records. A copy of this policy is available by request at any school or the offices of the Regional Assistant Superintendents located at the District’s Administrative Center, 3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, WA 98021-8972.
DISTRICT NEWS AND INFORMATION
Northshore School District has resources to update you on the latest district news and information.
- District Receptionist: 425.408.6000
- District Information Line: 425.408.6001
- Spanish Information Line: 425.408.6024
- District website: www.nsd.org
- District E-newsletter: www.nsd.org/connections
- District Newsletter: www.nsd.org/community
- District E-flyers: www.nsd.org/eflyers
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
RESOLVING A CONCERN
Concerns can be most accurately and efficiently addressed by those closest to the problem. The board encourages you to follow the steps outlined below, proceeding to the next level as necessary. If you need help determining the appropriate person to call, please call the District at 425.408.6000.
SCHOOL RELATED CONCERN
Discuss with the teacher/staff member involved » Principal » Regional Assistant Superintendents, Superintendent or designee » Present to the School Board through the formal complaint procedure*
DISTRICT CONCERN
Appropriate District department » Superintendent or designee » Present to the School Board through the formal citizen’s complaint procedure.*
*Forms available in the Superintendent’s Office
Student Information
REGISTRATION
New students may register year-round via online enrollment to begin attending school. Attendance area is based on residency address. Visit the District website, www.nsd.org/findmyschool, to determine your child’s attendance area.
REQUIRED REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS: proof of age (birth certificate or passport), proof of residency, official immunization record, unofficial transcripts (grades 6-12) and withdrawal sheet or report card from previous school (grades 6-12 only). Students entering kindergarten or first grade must be five or six years old on or before Aug. 31 (dependent on grade entering).
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten students will be registered for the 2023-24 school year via our online enrollment on the nsd.org website beginning mid-January of 2023. The website provides instructions and guidance on the documents and information that will be needed in order to register your student. If you have additional questions, you should contact your designated school office.
WAIVERS
OUT OF DISTRICT: Families who reside in another district and would like to attend Northshore School District must complete the choice transfer form available from their resident district or through the online portal at https://eds.ospi.k12.wa.us/choicetransferrequest. Families will need to reapply every year.
IN DISTRICT: Families who live within the geographic boundaries of the Northshore School District and want to attend a Northshore school other than their assigned neighborhood school must complete a waiver. The waiver form is available online at www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/waivers or through the Office of Student Services, 425.408.7725.
VARIANCE: Families who live within the geographical boundaries of the Northshore School District and want to attend a school in another district must complete a release form. The release form is available online at www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/waivers or through the Office of Student Services, 425.408.7725.
MCKINNEY-VENTO: The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support homeless children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youth” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. The intent of the McKinney-Vento Act is to ensure that homeless children
and youth enroll and succeed in school. For more information about Northshore’s Homeless Services, please visit www.nsd.org/resources/support/homeless-services.
WHAT IS CHILD FIND?
The process of locating and evaluating children with disabilities is referred to as “Child Find.” The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all school districts to locate, evaluate, and provide services for individuals age birth to 21, who may have a disability. Contact the principal or school psychologist at your home school if you:
- Have questions about whether your child has a disability
- Are concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschooler’s development
- Know your child has a disability and are looking for appropriate educational services
- Would like to know how to help your school-age child succeed in school
You can also contact the District’s Special Education office at 425.408.7733 for assistance. Any student or child whether or not enrolled in school may be referred for a special education evaluation by parents, district staff or other persons knowledgeable about the student. The school team will invite you to a meeting to discuss your concerns and devise a plan of action. A special education evaluation may be recommended at this time. If your child is not yet school age, please contact the Sorenson Early Childhood Center at 425.408.5570.
ENROLLING STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS
According to Washington State Law (RCW 28A.210.320), students with a potentially life threatening health condition cannot attend school unless the following conditions are met:
- A current medication and/or treatment order from a licensed healthcare provider must be on file with the school nurse. The order must be renewed each school year. Prescribed medication and equipment identified in the order necessary to carry out the order must be brought to the school by the parent prior to the first day of school.
- An Emergency Care Plan, written by the school nurse in cooperation with the licensed health care provider, must be in place prior to the student’s first day of attendance at school.
- Health conditions that are considered to be potentially life threatening are Asthma, Severe Allergies, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Seizures, Neurological Disorders, and Bleeding Disorders.
Contact Student Health Services, at 425.408.7728 or the school nurse if your child has a medical condition that requires:
- Medications at school that are injected, administered nasally, or rectally.
- Assistance with a procedure during the school day, such as blood sugars, catheterization, or G-tube feedings.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS/LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS
When students are required to take medications during school, both over-the-counter and prescription, the school office must have a medication authorization form signed by the parent and licensed health care provider.
- This form is available at your school or on the district website, www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/health-services/medication-at-schools.
- Medication delivered to school by the parent in a properly labeled prescription container or original bottle.
- Students with a life-threatening condition (LTC) must, by law, have signed medication orders and a school nursing care plan in place before they attend school. Information can be found at www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/health-services. Contact your school nurse for more information.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Before a child may attend a school, a parent or guardian must provide proof of the required immunizations or immunity using a department-approved Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form. The CIS may be printed from the WA Immunization Information System (IIS). Parents can also print a CIS by signing up with MyIRmobile.com or download the form from
doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization. If the hardcopy form is used, it must be medically verified with either a health care provider signature or by attaching medical immunization records to the completed CIS so school staff can verify it for accuracy.
If your child already meets immunization requirements and has records on file with the school, you do not need to do anything. If you aren’t sure, or if you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.
Tdap Booster Requirements 2022-2023
As of August 1, 2020 the Tdap school requirement has changed to 7th grade to better align with the national immunization schedule. In the past, the Tdap booster was required starting at 6th grade.
For the 2022-2023 school year, all students attending grades 7 through 12 must have had one dose of Tdap vaccine.
- For students in grades 7-9, the Tdap vaccine must be given at or after age 10 to be accepted for school entry.
- For students in grades 10-12, the Tdap vaccine must be given at or after age 7 to be accepted for school entry.
To update your child’s Tdap immunization record at the school, you will need to turn in a medically verified immunization record. Your child’s health care provider can print this for you, or you can print it from MyIR or MyIRMobile, which are free Department of Health online tools that allow families to view and print their official immunization records themselves. For information visit myirmobile.com or doh.wa.gov.
To find out more about this change, or the other changes to immunization rules also happening this fall, please visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website at www.doh.wa.gov/SCCI.
Vaccination Exemption
Washington State Law allows parents or guardians to exempt their child from the school immunization requirements. Exemptions may be claimed for personal/ philosophical, religious, or medical reasons. Measles, mumps, and rubella may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons. To request an exemption, a completed Certificate of Exemption must be submitted to the school.
PAY ONLINE FOR STUDENT FEES, FINES, AND SALES
Parents may pay for student fees, fines, and make other purchases online with a credit card using the Online Payment (TouchBase) program https://wa-northshore.intouchreceipting.com. Use your school-issued TouchBase username and password to access the program. For more information, please visit the our website at www.nsd.org/resources/online-tools/payments.
RIDING THE BUS TO SCHOOL
Transportation information and forms for the 2022–23 school year can be found online at nsd.org/bus. This information includes bus stop locator (E-Link), special needs services, student safety and conduct forms, bus pass, emergency/snow, suggested walking area maps, and more. The bus stop locator, E-Link, helps you determine a student’s assigned bus number, stop location, and estimated pick-up time within the school service area. All students are required to be at their bus stop five (5) minutes in advance of the posted bus arrival time. Kindergarten and Special Ed students must be met by a parent/guardian at the bus stop unless the driver has received a permission to release form in advance (See permission to release forms at nsd.org/bus). Bus stop locations will be available on E-Link at the end of August. Information for specialized programs (Preschool, HiCAP, Special Ed) can be located under the advanced tab. Bus drivers may call families with specific bus stop details for Special Ed and preschool students.
Waiver students are responsible for providing their own transportation. They are not assigned or eligible for transportation but may inquire about bus space availability using the Transportation Inquiry Form located on the website. Forms will be processed starting the end of October and may take several weeks before the assessment is completed. If you need assistance accessing bus stops and/or additional information, contact Transportation at transportation@nsd.org.
Snow (limited or alternate) bus stop locations are available online at nsd.org/bus. Check in advance to see if your bus route is one that could be affected by inclement weather. Drivers will avoid stopping on hills when slippery and may change bus stops to the bottom or top of a hill. Changing conditions may cause the District to alter the status of school. Visit nsd.org or listen to radio and television for the latest information.
Food and Nutrition Services
FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES
All schools offer breakfast and lunch. Menus are available online along with nutritional information at www.nsd.org/meals. Milk is included in the price of a full meal. Cartons of milk can also be purchased separately. A la carte items are also available at middle and high schools.
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Parents whose income falls within guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture should apply for free or reduced-price meals. Families must reapply each year to receive benefits for the current school year. All students who qualify for free as well as those who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive both breakfast and lunch at no charge. Applications are available after August 1. You can apply online or download an application at www.nsd.org/meals or pick up a paper application from your school or district’s Food and Nutrition Services offices. To have an application mailed to you, call Food and Nutrition Services at 425.408.7657.
PAYING FOR SCHOOL MEALS
Parents may pay online with Visa or MasterCard using a secure Internet site called Titan School Solutions. There is a $2.60 convenience charge for each payment. To set up an online payment account, visit family.titank12.com. There is no charge for parents to sign their students up with Titan. Parents can pay by cash or check (made out to Northshore School District) at the
school. There is no fee for paying with cash or check.
LOW BALANCE NOTIFICATIONS/TRACKING MEAL BALANCES
You can view your student’s meal account balance, cafeteria purchases, and transfer money from one sibling to another at no charge on the Titan Family Portal online or with the mobile app at family.titank12.com. Families that have registered on the Titan Family Portal will receive a low-balance notification by email when their student’s account drops below $5.00. Families can also set custom low-balance notifications through Titan. Written low balance notices may also be sent home when the balance on the meal account is low. The notice will be placed in the teacher’s box to be given to the student to take home.
NEGATIVE BALANCE NOTIFICATIONS
When a student account balance reaches equivalent of negative two lunches, automated calls will be sent out from the Food & Nutrition Services Department to ensure notification of account standings. Regardless of account standing, students will always be offered a reimburseable breakfast and lunch at school and allowed to charge on a negative balance. Charging for a la carte purchases including milk-only, extra entrees or non-reimbursable meals will not be permitted if a student balance is negative. Unpaid meal charges must be paid in full when a student graduates or moves to a new school district.
District Information
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
Pursuant to Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents of Title I, Part A students may request the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s) or paraeducators by contacting your child’s school. The Northshore School District will provide you with the information as soon as possible upon request. Thank you for your interest and involvement in your child’s education.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Northshore School District uses a variety of assessments to fulfill state and federal accountability, to screen and progress monitor students, to inform instruction, and aid in academic placement guidance. State testing measures student achievement in Math and English Language Arts Common Core State Standards. Other content areas align with state learning standards. For the 2022-23 school year, the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program will consist of the English Language Arts and Math Smarter Balanced Assessments and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment in Science (WCAS). For some identified IEP students, the Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM) will be administered instead of Smarter Balanced/WCAS assessments. For English language learners, the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) will be administered to determine their proficiency in English.
SMARTER BALANCED AND WASHINGTON
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE (WCAS)
The Smarter Balanced Assessment assesses English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics and is required by state law for grades 3-8 and 10. The WCAS exam is administered in grades 5, 8, and 11. In addition, 10th graders take the ELA and Mathematics Smarter Balanced assessments as an option to satisfy the state pathways graduation requirement. Students in high school who receive a level 3 or 4 on
the Smarter Balanced assessments will not need to take placement exams for entrance to Washington State colleges and universities. Students who need a passing score have the opportunity to satisfy the pathways requirement through retakes and/or other pathway options.
SCHOOL AND DISTRICT PERFORMANCE DATA
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), also known as the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” (NCLB), requires all schools, school districts, and states to publish “report cards” highlighting their progress. They provide data on the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program by gender, disability, economics, English proficiency, migrant/bilingual status, as well as school demographics, graduation, and dropout rates for secondary students and school improvement plans. This information is available on the District website at www.nsd.org/schoolperformancereports.
I-READY DIAGNOSTIC
In alignment with our Northshore School District Strategic Action Plan, starting in the 2019-20 school year, the Northshore School District began using the i-Ready diagnostic to screen and progress monitor students in grades K-8 in the areas of reading and math. Students are
screened in the fall, progress monitored in the winter, with the spring diagnostic being used to determine overall growth throughout the year.
Kindergarten students are assessed using i-Ready only in the winter and spring due to the state required WaKIDS screening in the fall. Data from these assessments are used to determine initial reading and math skill levels and inform Tier I and II instruction to help students attain the skills required at each grade level. Data is also used for state required dyslexia screening and reading performance reporting in grades K-4.
ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
The Northshore School District will make every effort to provide accessibility to events, meetings and programs to individuals with disabilities. Please contact the building principal overseeing the activity or Director of Human Resources, ADA officer, at 425.408.7622 to request special accommodations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Northshore School District will provide equal employment opportunity and treatment for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring retention, assignment, transfer, promotion, and training. Such equal employment opportunity shall be provided without discrimination with respect to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of
alleged unlawful discrimination: Director of Human Resources, Abel Ghirmai (Title IX, ADA, and Civil Rights Compliance), Rick Ferell, Director of Student Services (Section 504), 3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, WA 98021, (425) 408-6000.
RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCES
The Racial & Educational Justice Department worked with its religion subcommittee to identify and select the religious and cultural observances that are printed in this calendar. Faith leaders and cultural leaders were also consulted when selecting these observances. Religious and cultural observances reflected in the print calendar include major holidays, holidays that will impact student attendance and/or fasting. A full list of holidays celebrated by Northshore families, students, and community can be found at www.nsd.org/our-district/who-we-are/racial-educational-justice. For questions, contact the Racial & Educational Justice Department at educationaljustice@nsd.org.
Using Technology at School
We live in a global and digital world—a world changed by technology and new ideas about how we communicate with one another and
exchange information. As a result, students must develop the research, information fluency, and technology skills that will allow them to
be successful, safe, and ethical in this digital world. For this reason, students in grades 2-12 are assigned a computing device to take
home each day. Students in grades K and 1 are assigned a device to use in the classroom each day. All students are provided with an email
account, digital communication and collaboration tools, online learning spaces, and electronic educational resources. These resources, tools and equipment are essential to teaching and learning.
All students are expected to care for their assigned computing device, including:
- No food or drink should be next to devices.
- Cords, cables, and removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) must be inserted carefully into appropriate ports on the device.
- Devices should not be used or stored near pets.
- Devices should not be used with the power cord plugged in when the cord may be a tripping hazard.
- Devices must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, and labels.
- Heavy objects should never be placed on top of devices.
- Devices should never be loaned to another student or individual during the school day or otherwise.
Families who need support for their student’s device should contact their School Technology Specialist or create a support ticket at http://go.nsd.org/studenttechhelp.
The guidelines for responsible use of these tools are outlined in School Board Procedure 2022P. Standard applications and accounts are
configured for student use, but are not limited to: Google Workspace, MS Office 365, Schoology, Clever, Seesaw (Grades K-5). Students are
also provided accounts in several online curriculum services based on their grade level and program enrollment.
STUDENT DISTRICT ACCOUNTS
Each student is provided a district account that permits access to district and online services, including email, and is intended to be used for the student’s educational activities. These accounts will be used to log on to district-owned computers and will provide students access to a cloud-based storage space where important documents and projects can be stored. At any time, a student’s account can be reviewed for content and accounts should only ever be used for school-related work.
ONLINE CURRICULUM SYSTEMS
Most of the curriculum adopted in the District is accompanied by or depends on access to an online system where content and assessments are stored. Many of these systems require students to have a unique account created for them that allows them to access
supplemental video content, take quizzes, and strengthen their understanding about the ideas in the content area. For district-wide curriculum, the District creates and manages these accounts.
In these cases, the terms of use and privacy policies are reviewed before providing any student account data to the vendor. Under the Federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the District is required to filter Internet access and to teach online safety. The District takes your student’s safety and privacy very seriously and makes every effort to supervise and monitor student technology use. We use Internet filtering software to block access to content that is obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors. We provide instruction to all students in the area of Digital Citizenship through use of district-approved curriculum from Common Sense Media. We also employ a robust web filter, which we use to ensure that students access appropriate materials. No filtering service is perfect – parents who feel their student has accessed inappropriate content should report the material to their student’s teacher, counselor, or school administrator.
District Programs, Services, and Choice Schools
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement classes provide college-level coursework for any student with the desire and willingness to work hard. Any interested student may enroll in the variety of AP classes offered at each high school. These courses provide rigor in a student’s schedule and thorough coverage of a content area that students may find particularly interesting. AP courses are open enrollment and students may self-select classes to take each year. Completion of two AP courses satisfies a high school graduation requirement for students.
CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS / 425.408.7711
The Career and College Readiness program partners rigorous core curriculum with exploration of career pathways using industry-based standards to prepare students for postsecondary education and to meet the dynamic demands of the global economy. Students have the opportunity to explore career pathways in arts and communications, business and marketing, social services and education, science and technology, health services, and technology preparation. Please contact the counseling office of your child’s school for more information.
Students have the opportunity to explore STEM courses in high demand fields of study such as environmental technology/renewable energy, biomedical sciences, engineering, information technology, and robotics through the Career and College Readiness Program. Acquisition of core skills in exploration, problem solving, discovery, critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation is the focus of STEM programs. Please contact the counseling office of your child’s school for more information.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program provides courses at each high school that offer CTE Dual credit. These CTE courses combine academic and professional strands and are designed to give students a head start on the way to a community or technical college degree. Please contact a high school counselor or career specialist about details on CTE Dual credit programs. Completion of two Tech Prep courses satisfies high school graduation requirements for students.
CHINESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM / 425.408.5300
Sunrise Elementary School provides a Mandarin Chinese program, beginning in first grade for students from around the District. This program will build students’ ability to listen, speak, read and write in Mandarin Chinese over several years. Roughly 20% of the school day will be spent learning and using Mandarin in first grade. By the end of their first year, students’ ability to listen and speak in Mandarin will equate with the high-novice level of language acquisition. Students’ ability to read and write in Mandarin will equate with the low- to mid-novice level of Mandarin. Percentages of time learning and using Mandarin will increase to 30% in second grade, 40% in third grade, and 50% in fourth and fifth grade.
COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
Students have the opportunity to take college courses taught by high school teachers and earn college credit at the same time from area colleges such as Cascadia College or the University of Washington. Students who choose to take courses for college/ university credit pay the college/university fee and meet all content requirements in addition to the high school course content. Students earning college/university credits will receive a grade and transcript from the college/university. Specific courses vary by high school. Completion of two College in the High School courses satisfies a high school graduation requirement for students. Please contact a high school counselor for details on College in the High School courses.
DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM / 425.408.5400
Woodin Elementary School provides a dual language program where students from different language backgrounds learn English and Spanish together through intentionally planned instruction. The program follows a 50-50 model, meaning that starting in kindergarten, 50% of instruction occurs in Spanish and the other 50% is delivered in English. Approximately half of our students come from dominant Spanish speaking families, with the other half from dominant English speaking families. Students learn in an integrated setting serving as language models for each other and learning from one another. Our goal is for students to develop grade level competency while becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
HIGHLY CAPABLE PROGRAM / 425.408.7713
The Northshore School District Highly Capable Program provides a continuum of services for students identified as most highly capable in grades K-12. Selection is based on multiple measures, which may include academic achievement in reading comprehension and/or applied math concepts and performance on cognitive abilities tests. Service options vary at different grade levels and are based on the areas in which a student is found eligible. For more information, please visit the Highly Capable website at www.nsd.org/highcap.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM / 425.408.7355
The District IB Program located at Inglemoor High School is a rigorous, internationally recognized course of study open to all interested students in the Northshore School District. IB is designed to provide students with a foundation of in-depth learning in six subject areas. During the final two years of high school, students are uniquely challenged to meet high standards in every class. Expectations include self-directed and disciplined study, research, critical analysis of information, and effective oral and written communication.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHALLENGE PROGRAM
The Middle School Challenge Program provides a rigorous curriculum in English, math, science, and social studies for students in grades 6-8. All sixth-graders will be enrolled in Challenge English/Language Arts, math, and science. Students’ math enrollment will match their current math trajectory. Challenge courses are considered open enrollment for students in seventh- and eighth-grade, therefore any student with the curiosity for learning and a willingness to work hard may self-select Challenge courses during the middle school course registration process each spring.
PACE—PARENTS ACTIVE IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
PACE is a family-based, alternative program for grades 1-5 emphasizing parent involvement. On a space-available basis, PACE is open to children whose parents commit to a minimum of 80 hours of program assistance a year, per family, to support classrooms and student enrichment. Program information and application process instructions can be found at www.nsd.org/PACE.
RUNNING START
High school juniors and seniors who show a readiness for college-level classes have the opportunity to attend a community college and receive high school and college credit at the same time under the Running Start program. Interested students should contact their high school counselor for more information.
SPECIAL EDUCATION / 425.408.7733
The Special Education program serves students from birth through 21 years of age. Instructional and support services are delivered by special education teachers, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, behavior specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and educational assistants. In compliance with federal and state law, students with disabilities are served in the least restrictive environment to the maximum extent possible.
CHOICE SCHOOLS
INNOVATION LAB HIGH SCHOOL / 425.408.6200
Innovation Lab High School, Northshore’s new choice high school, opened fall 2020. Students explore their passions, while identifying their purpose in their community and in the world. Learning is designed around the needs of today’s students, and focused on developing the skills necessary for a future yet to be imagined. By the 2022-23 school year, the school will serve students in grades 9 - 12. The school is located at 2020 224th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021.
NORTHSHORE NETWORKS / 425.408.4175
Northshore Networks is a teacher, parent, and student contract partnership delivered in a once-a-week consulting model. Northshore Networks serves grades 1-12. For grades 7-12, additional academic support is provided in required weekly and bi-weekly classes. Teachers collaborate with students and parents to design and implement a customized curriculum consistent with District and state guidelines, high school graduation requirements, and each student’s individual learning needs. Northshore Networks is located at the Bear Creek Campus, 18101 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98077.
NORTHSHORE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
Northshore Family Partnership, located at the Bear Creek Campus, is the parent partnership program for the Northshore School District. The program serves families opting to educate their children at home under the guidance of a certificated teacher. The program aims for a collaborative culture where Northshore certificated teachers teach courses and collaborate with parents/families to support at home learning. Students in grades K-9 are served. Northshore Family Partnership is located at 18101 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98077.
SECONDARY ACADEMY FOR SUCCESS / 425.408.6600
Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) is Northshore’s options high school, grades 9-12, for students seeking an alternative to the traditional secondary school. SAS is a highly successful program that helps students in a small-school setting complete the required courses consistent with district and state guidelines and all high school graduation requirements. Service learning, student leadership, environmental awareness, music and business partnerships, and career integration highlight the SAS learning program. SAS is located at 22107 23rd Drive SE, Bothell, WA 98021.
SORENSON AND WOODMOOR SPECIAL NEEDS PRESCHOOL / 425.408.5570
Sorenson and Woodmoor special needs preschools provide developmentally appropriate programs and services for eligible students ages 3-5 who may have a developmental delay in motor, communication, cognitive, social-emotional, or adaptive skills.
Partnerships Support Student Achievement
WHEN PARENTS PARTICIPATE, CHILDREN SUCCEED
Research shows that the more families participate in the education of their children, the better those students achieve in school. When schools, families, and communities work together to support student learning, children generally achieve better grades and test scores, have better attendance, complete homework, show higher aspirations and motivation toward school, make better transitions, and are more likely to graduate.
Here are some ways you can help your child be successful academically:
- Make education a priority.
- Ensure children attend school regularly, on time, and prepared to learn.
- Establish regular routines at home that support good sleep, a healthy diet, and daily exercise.
- Incorporate homework into the daily routine and provide a comfortable place for your child to study that is free from distractions.
- Limit the use of TV and video games.
- Be available to listen, talk, read, and assist with homework.
- Show interest in schoolwork and out-of-school activities.
- Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events.
- Set standards of respectful behavior and value hard work, learning, and responsibility.
- Establish clear, ongoing two-way communication with the school, especially if your child is having trouble with homework or not doing well on tests or progress reports.
- Volunteer at school to share your interests, skills, and time.
- Offer praise and recognition for progress and accomplishments.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Parent and community involvement in a student’s education contributes to a successful school experience and has a positive impact on student achievement. We welcome parent and community volunteers to help as tutors, mentors, classroom speakers, committee advisors, or assistants on special projects.
HOW CAN I HELP?
- Work with small groups with reading, writing, math, spelling, etc.
- Work with individual children—practice facts, read, assist with writing, computers
- Share personal talents, skills, interests, or careers
- Provide mentor support to a student
- Become an elementary school art docent
HOW DO I START?
Individuals who volunteer for the Northshore School District need to complete the volunteer application. More information is available at www.nsd.org/get-involved.
PTA / PTSA
Each Northshore school has a PTA or PTSA made up of volunteers working for all children. These volunteers provide a wide variety of programs and activities to enhance student learning and encourage parent involvement. Visit the Northshore Council PTSA website for more information at www.northshorecouncilptsa.org.
BUSINESSES MAKE GREAT PARTNERS
Higher standards in schools require advocates throughout the community. Our business, faith-based, and civic representatives recognize that strong schools strengthen our community. Our community partners demonstrate support for our schools through a variety of ways:
- Provide classroom presentations and speakers for career awareness
- Serve as mentors to students at school
- Donate funds, resources, and employee hours
- Support school efforts to meet higher performance goals
- Ensure legislative support for consistent school funding, facilities, and teacher training
- Welcome students to learn, observe, intern, or complete service-learning projects
If your organization is interested in being considered for a partnership with the District, please fill out the partnership request form at https://link.nsd.org/PartnershipRequestForm.
We encourage everyone in our community to become an active participant in education. For more information, contact the partnerships and volunteer coordinator at partnerships@nsd.org or 425.408.7673.
NORTHSHORE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
The Northshore Schools Foundation funds relevant and impactful programs and services that amplify the work of our teachers and district to promote engaged learning and lifelong success for all Northshore students. The foundation is a non-profit charitable fundraising organization that operates separately from the District thanks to the generous contributions from parents, community members, local businesses, and corporations. Learn more at nsdfoundation.org.
ELECTION DATE: NOVEMBER 8, 2022
Remember to vote! Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person at your county’s election office. Visit www.sos.wa.gov to learn more.
Important Telephone Numbers and Websites
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Main District Number . . . . . . 425.408.6000
Information Line (recorded) . . . . . . 425.408.6001
Bilingual Message Line . . . . . . 425.408.6014
Spanish Language Information Line . . . . . . 425.408.6024
Athletic Fields Rain-Out-Line . . . . . . 425.408.6020
Website . . . . . . www.nsd.org
DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS
Athletics . . . . . . 425.408.7624
Business and Finance . . . . . . 425.408.7630
Communications . . . . . . 425.408.7670
Community Partnerships/Volunteers . . . . . . 425.408.7673
Early Childhood Education . . . . . . 425.408.5570
Elementary Education . . . . . . 425.408.7705
Facilities Rental . . . . . . 425.408.7810
Food Services . . . . . . 425.408.7654
Health Services . . . . . . 425.408.7728
Highly Capable Program Services
- Elementary . . . . . . 425.408.7743
- Middle School . . . . . . 425.408.7723
Human Resources . . . . . . 425.408.7601
Instructional Technology . . . . . . 425.408.7755
Instructional Support & Services
- State Assessments . . . . . . 425.408.7665
- Career & College Readiness . . . . . . 425.408.7711
- Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, K-5 . . . . . . 425.408.7714
- Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment 6-12 . . . . . . 425.408.7712
Music Programs . . . . . . 425.408.7719
Secondary Education . . . . . . 425.408.7703
Special Services . . . . . . 425.408.7709
- Categorical Programs . . . . . . 425.408.7709
- Special Education . . . . . . 425.408.7733
Student Services/Discipline . . . . . . 425.408.7725
Superintendent . . . . . . 425.408.7701
Deputy Superintendent . . . . . . 425.408.7624
Support Services . . . . . . 425.408.7801
Technology . . . . . . 425.408.7750
Transportation . . . . . . 425.408.7900
GOVERNMENT
City of Bothell . . . . . . 425.806.6100
City of Brier . . . . . . 425.775.5440
City of Kenmore . . . . . . 425.398.8900
City of Woodinville . . . . . . 425.489.2700
King County Council . . . . . . 06.477.1000
King County Sheriff . . . . . . 206.296.3311
Snohomish County Council . . . . . . 425.388.3411
Snohomish County Sheriff . . . . . . 425.388.3393
HUMAN SERVICES
Information and referrals to health and human services . . . . . . 211
ARC of King County . . . . . . 206.364.6337
Center for Human Services . . . . . . 206.362.7282
Child Care Resources/Seattle . . . . . . 206.329.1011
Community Health Access Program . . . . . . 206.296.0100
EvergreenHealth . . . . . . 800.325.6165
Kirkland . . . . . . 425.899.1000
Woodinville . . . . . . 425.481.6363
Health Point . . . . . . 425.486.0658
Hopelink, Kirkland . . . . . . 425.889.7880
Northshore Family Center . . . . . . 425.205.2004
Northshore Public Health Center . . . . . . 206.263.2850
Northshore Youth & Family Svcs . . . . . . 425.485.6541
Public Health - Seattle King Co. . . . . . . 206.296.4600
Snohomish Health Dist - Healthy Kids . . . . . . 425.252.5415
Within Reach . . . . . . 206.284.2465
Woodinville Fire & Life Safety . . . . . . 425.483.2131
LIBRARIES
Ask Hotline . . . . . . 425.462.9600
King County Libraries . . . . . . kcls.org/locations
Sno-Isle Libraries . . . . . . sno-isle.org/locations
NORTHSHORE COUNCIL PTSA
Northshore Council PTSA . . . . . . northshoreptsacouncil.com
NORTHSHORE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Supports Northshore student learning opportunities . . . . . . 425.408.7680
PARKS
Bothell (City of) Parks & Recreation . . . . . . 425.806.6760
Kenmore (City of) Parks & Recreation . . . . . . 425.398.8900
King Co. Parks . . . . . . 206.477.4527
Redmond (City of) Parks . . . . . . 425.556.2300
Snohomish Co. Parks . . . . . . 425.388.6600
Woodinville (City of) Parks & Recreation . . . . . . 425.489.2700
EMERGENCY & CRISIS
Children Protective Services . . . . . . 800.379.3395 or 206.691.2300
Emergency Police, Fire, Medical Aid . . . . . . 911
King County Crisis Clinic . . . . . . 211 / 206.461.3222
Lifewire (Domestic Violence Hotline) . . . . . . 800.827.8840 or 425.562.8840
NAMI - Mental Health Hotline . . . . . . 800.950.6264
Snohomish Co. Care Crisis Line . . . . . . 800.584.5578
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline . . . . . . 988
Washington Poison Center . . . . . . 800.222.1222
Interpreter / Translation Services for Parents
Your child’s education is very important. As the parent/guardian of a Northshore student, you have the right to participate in your child’s education, including communicating with teachers and staff about your child. Northshore offers interpreter and translation services to parents free of charge. We encourage you to tell someone at your child’s school if you need an interpreter or a translation. Please contact your school office or 425-408-6014 if you have any questions or concerns about Northshore’s language services.