First Day of School
The first day of school for the 2024-25 school year for most students is Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.
Elementary Families
- Grades 1-5 students start Tuesday, Sept. 3.
- Most kindergarten students will have a staggered start in support of family-parent conferences. Please refer to information from your school for more specific details about your kindergarten student's experience.
Middle and High School Families
- Grades 6 and 9 students start Tuesday, Sept. 3 (with the exception of Innovation Lab High School and Secondary Academy for Success - all students begin Sept. 3)
- All other middle and high school students will start school on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
More information about your specific school or program start date, including Northshore Learning Options and our early learning programs, will be communicated directly from your student’s school. For a full calendar of the 24-25 school year, please visit the District’s calendar website.
Back-to-School Resource Fair Serves Hundreds
The Northshore Back-to-School Resource Fair was held at Pop Keeney Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 8. The fair was an opportunity for families to interact with our community partners and District departments to learn about the resources available to them. Many of our Northshore families attended and were able to visit tables hosted by organizations like the Northshore Schools Foundation, King County Library System, Northshore Council PTSA, Threads & Treads, and many others. They also had an opportunity to learn more about District services through tables hosted by Northshore Food and Nutrition Services, Transportation, Student Services, and the Family Engagement and Resource Center.
A special thank you again to all our student and family volunteers who helped us with the fair this year to make it another success!
Apply Now for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families whose income falls within specified guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture should apply for free or reduced-price meals for their students. Don't forget – families must re-apply every year.
If you qualify for free or reduced-price meals you may also qualify for:
- School fee waivers – a fee waiver form must be completed.
- Other services such as health insurance – contact your school nurse for more information.
The online application only takes a few minutes and is the fastest, easiest way to get approved.
Student Device Protection Program and Fines for Damage or Loss
The Device Protection Program (DPP) 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.
Student Insurance - Optional
The health and safety of our students is of critical importance to the Northshore School District. Even so, accidents happen, sometimes resulting in costly medical bills. Please know the district does not carry insurance for student personal injury costs (including athletics) and therefore cannot assume responsibility for them. As a service we're providing information regarding optional student insurance administered by Myers-Stevens & Toohey, Inc. These plans are used by many school districts across Washington.
School Board Updates
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 some of the topics that will be discussed and information about past meetings. Links are included for more information.
Upcoming Meetings and Topics
- Monday, Aug. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board (view the agenda)
Past Meeting Highlights
Construction Begins on Bond-funded School Growth Projects
Northshore residents may have noticed changes underway at six schools this summer as the early stages of construction begins thanks to the generous support of Northshore voters, who approved the 2022 Capital Bond. Excavation and trenching are examples of the work taking place at schools including Crystal Springs Elementary, Fernwood Elementary, Kenmore Elementary, Maywood Hills Elementary, Woodin Elementary, and the adjacent campuses of Sorenson Early Childhood Center and Westhill Elementary. Learn more about these projects on the 2022 Capital Bond Projects website.
Upcoming Events
Northshore's Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony - Thursday, Aug. 15
The Wall of Honor ceremony will be held at Pop Keeney Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. The Northshore School District and a group of alumni founded the Wall of Honor and established a process that recognizes outstanding Northshore graduates and individuals associated with the District whose careers and lives have made a difference in our world. Additionally, the Wall of Honor has established a scholarship given to a recent Northshore graduate to encourage today’s students to dream big and strive to achieve their full potential. Learn more on the Wall of Honor website. The Aug. 26 edition of Northshore Connections will include an update on this year’s inductees.
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.
Aug. 26
- Janmashtami - Hindu festival
- School Board meeting, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2
Sept. 3
- First Day of School for most students - more information about your specific school or program start date will be communicated directly from your student’s school
Sept. 6
- Ganesh Chaturthi - Hindu festival
Sept. 9
- School Board meeting, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11
Early Release Wednesday
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival observed to celebrate the birth of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, the supreme God. Most families fast all day and celebrate the festival in the evening at homes and in the temple. On this day people observing Janmashtami recap Krishna’s childhood with mischievous and courageous acts, friendship, love, affection, and compassion toward others, nature, and animals. Hindus believe Krishna appeared over 500 years ago to restore peace and righteousness on earth by destroying the evil forces.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus. On this day, Hindus worship Lord Ganesh (elephant-headed divinity) to remove obstacles before undertaking any task such as starting a new school year, new job, new business, etc. Some people observing the festival fast on this day until dawn, prepare special meals, and share them with friends. It is one of the most colorful and joyous festivals for all Hindus.
Additional Religious and Cultural ObservancesThe 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
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
- Hispanic and Latino/a/x Heritage Month
Sept. 11
- Enkutatash - Ethiopian culture
Sept. 16
- *Mawlid-al-Nabi - Islamic
Sept. 16-18
Sept. 17
- Tet Trung Thu - Vietnamese culture
- Moon Festival - Celebrated in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam cultures
Sept. 22
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