
Northshore Connections Newsletter
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Dear Northshore Community:
Around this time last year, the School Board announced that I had been selected as the District’s next superintendent beginning July 1, 2023. I am so honored to lead Northshore during this time, even as we work to bring our 2024-25 budget into alignment with state revenues. Throughout this challenging process, I have been personally committed to making sure the proposed solutions and our timeline are transparent.
I want to thank our entire community for helping to navigate the budget shortfall with compassion and keeping students front and center in conversations. I will continue to advocate to the state for our incredible community. While this year’s legislative session has concluded, the fight for full funding of public education is not over.
If you would like to learn more, visit the District’s 2024-25 Budget Development webpage where you can find School Board Budget Presentations, public messages, a timeline, and other helpful resources. In the Connections Newsletter below you can also read information about our special education staffing process for the 2024-25 school year, shared previously in response to family and staff questions.
Centering student voice and experience is an ongoing district commitment and there are a number of inspiring examples this month.
If you have been to the Northshore Administration Office recently, you likely noticed the Youth Arts Month Art Show. Beginning in 1961, Youth Art Month - celebrated every March - is an opportunity to recognize youth artists and the importance of a strong visual arts education. The impressive show, organized by our visual arts teachers and volunteers, features middle and high school student artwork and a range of media. A reception for the middle and high school artists will be held this Wednesday, March 27 from 6-7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Last Friday, March 22, the Racial and Educational Justice Department in partnership with Cascadia Community College, Northshore Schools Foundation, and University of Washington, Bothell, hosted our annual Student Justice Conference. Nearly 200 students from each of Northshore’s high schools and programs were in attendance. Student leaders held critical roles during the conference, including teaching three of the 10 breakout sessions. Learn more about the conference below.
On Wednesday, March 20, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board convened. Every month, the Student Advisory Board provides feedback and guidance to me on important topics. This last week, they provided their thoughts on revised standards for the Athletic Code of Conduct Handbook. The Student Board’s thoughtful engagement and specific feedback will help us continue to improve our support, systems, and practices.
Many more student leadership examples and celebrations are shared below. I encourage you to learn about the great things our students are doing here in Northshore.
Finally, I recognize that this is a sacred and special time for many in our community, with numerous religious and cultural observances underway. A list of celebrations and observances can be found in the Connections Newsletter. Wishing everyone that is celebrating a wonderful and fulfilling holiday and season.
In partnership,
Michael Tolley
Superintendent
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Special Education Staffing Process Update
The District has received a number of family and staff questions about our special education staffing approach in light of next year’s budget shortfall. We are using a phased process to allocate special education staffing, which is outlined in this message sent to families of students receiving special education services. At this time we anticipate a limited reduction of special education jobs, if any. Thank you for your patience and support as we allocate staffing in support of students with IEPs for next school year.
Learn About Northshore Preschool at Open House & Enrollment Fair
The preschool years are among the most critical in a child's life that influence learning. Northshore preschool programs are now enrolling children ages 3-5 for the 2024-25 school year. Any interested families can join us at the Preschool Open House and Enrollment Fair Wednesday, April 3 from 4-6 p.m. at Woodmoor Elementary. At the event, families can visit classrooms, meet some teachers, play on the playground, and more. Available preschool programs include both FREE and tuition-based options. View the applications for income-eligible free preschool or learn more.
Open Doors: Learn About Earning a GED, High School Diploma, Degree, or Certificate at April 18 Event
Teens today face unique challenges that can increase their risk of leaving high school early. If you left school, are considering leaving before earning your high school diploma, or know someone who has, join us to learn how a re-engagement education program may be able to help you. Open Doors is a statewide, free youth re-engagement system designed to help students work toward earning their GED, high school diploma, a two-year college degree, and/or a technical or vocational certificate. On April 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Inglemoor High School, a variety of Open Doors program representatives will discuss the unique and appropriate instruction, services, and multiple pathways that enable students to demonstrate career and college readiness. These programs cover tuition, fees, books, tools, supplies, support registering for Disability Support Services, and more. Learn more online.
K-12 School Enrollment Options for the 2024-25 School Year
There is still time to consider your student's enrollment options in the Northshore School District, with several opportunities in the coming weeks.
Innovation Lab High School may be the place for your student if they are interested in experiencing a learning environment focused on tackling real-world problems, that gives students the opportunity to master critical 21st century skills, and that challenges every student to find meaningful ways to demonstrate and apply their learning. The school’s emphasis on student voice and community fosters a sense of agency and belonging for each student. ILHS’ rigorous, mastery-based learning prepared its inaugural class of 2023 graduates well for their next steps, with more than two-thirds of graduates pursuing higher education and the rest entering the workforce. Learn about Innovation Lab and its application process.
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Interested families are invited to Pancakes with the Principal event on Wednesday, March 27 from 4-6 p.m. at Innovation Lab High School.
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ILHS is hosting a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. See the website for more information.
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Inglemoor High School, located in Kenmore, provides a rigorous and inclusive learning environment for high school students. In addition to offering all of the academic and social benefits of a comprehensive high school, Inglemoor provides a number of unique learning opportunities for 9-12th grade students. Inglemoor is currently accepting waivers from Northshore students interested in attending the high school but who live outside the school attendance boundaries. Learn more about Inglemoor’s programs, including AVID, Engineer/Design Technology Program, and International Baccalaureate (IB), and its waiver enrollment process.
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IB hosted information nights recently for the Class of 2028 and Class of 2026. Visit the IB website to review the information presented and learn more.
At Northshore Family Partnership (grades K-8), families are the facilitators of their student’s learning with guidance from a certificated teacher. On-site enrichment classes can supplement home-based learning, with families having access to a number of available resources and curricula. For any family that is considering being their student’s primary educator, NFP offers families a collaborative partnership with teachers as they create a learning environment that nurtures peer interactions while participating in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Learn more about NFP enrollment.
Northshore Online Academy (grades 1-12) provides an online learning format for students that is coordinated and taught by certificated mentor teachers and in conjunction with Imagine Edgenuity software for secondary students. Online meetings with the student’s mentor teacher take place weekly, and supplementary study halls, online academic study groups, and online social activities are also available to support this mastery-based learning experience. Learn about NOA and the upcoming information session.
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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
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Monday, March 25 at 5 p.m. Study Session of the Board (see the agenda)
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Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Regular Meeting of the Board (see the agenda)
Past Meeting Highlights
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Innovation Lab High Students Organize March for Climate on March 30
March for Climate is a community event where people can come together to learn about climate change, our local environment, volunteering opportunities, ways they can get involved, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Innovation Lab High School’s Climate Action Club has coordinated this event so the community can learn about our environment, climate change, pollution, and what you can do to make the world a better place. To participate in the march, arrive at Pop Keeney Stadium at 12:30 p.m. for the walk to Bothell City Hall Plaza. People are also welcome to come to the event anytime from 1-4 p.m. at Bothell City Hall Plaza. Learn more on the Climate Action Club website.
Art Docent Spring Training
The District will host an Art Docent training at the District administration building on April 26. Art Docent trainers will be doing a lesson on clay and will be showcasing projects from 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade.
Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Location: Northshore Admin Center, Board Room (3330 Monte Villa Parkway Bothell, WA 98021)
Topic: Clay Training
No registration required.
Support Northshore’s Upcoming Theater Performances
Thespians across Northshore are preparing for productions in April. This is a great way to support our talented and creative Northshore students, and these shows are open to the community.
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Bothell High School
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Production: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”
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Dates and Times: April 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7 p.m. and April 20 at 2 p.m.
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Location: Northshore Performing Arts Center (18125 92nd Ave NE, Bothell)
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Tickets: Not currently on sale. Watch the Bothell High School Drama website for sales information.
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Woodinville High School
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Production: “12th Night” conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
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Dates and Times: April 26, 26, 27, May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 p.m.
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Location: Woodinville High School (19819 136th Ave. NE, Woodinville)
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Tickets: Not currently on sale. Watch the Woodinville High School Theatre Company website for sales information.
Submissions Due for Northshore Speaks on March 31
The Northshore School District once again looks forward to showcasing Northshore Speaks, featuring original student spoken word poetry. This year’s event will take place virtually on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
To be considered for the Northshore Speaks event, Northshore parents must submit their student’s original spoken word poems by video on behalf of their student using this form by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024. If the student’s entry is selected, District Communications and Engagement staff will connect directly with the student and their family. Students will need their parent/guardian to complete the Northshore Speaks participation form. Please review the video format and guidelines, listed on the submission form, prior to recording your student’s video. Information on how to view this inspiring evening, designed to connect, reflect and hear diverse perspectives from our student community will be shared at a later date.
Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor committee invites the community to submit a nomination for Northshore School District alumni, retirees, and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the Northshore community, state, nation, or world. The deadline for nominations for the Wall of Honor 2024 inductees is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 5.
Annually, the Northshore Wall of Honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of those individuals who built upon the educational foundation they received in the Northshore School District or who have made unique and lasting contributions in their adult lives to our community. For your ease and convenience, the following website can be used to submit a nomination online: www.nsd.org/wallofhonor.
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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.
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Racial & Educational Justice
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High School Students Lead at Northshore’s Annual Student Justice Conference
Students from each of Northshore’s high schools and programs came together on Friday, March 22 to build community and connect, gain advocacy skills, celebrate and affirm their intersectional identities, share their knowledge and ideas with several community members and educators and learn about higher education opportunities. Keynote speaker Christian Paige, an Emmy-nominated spoken word poet and educator, addressed the group of nearly 200 students, who then had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions covering more than 10 topics. This event was organized by the Racial and Educational Justice Department and was located at and supported by Cascadia Community College, as well as the Northshore Schools Foundation and the University of Washington Bothell.
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PTSA Northshore Reflections Art Showcase
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On Thursday, March 14, the Northshore PTSA showcased the art that was submitted from NSD K-12th grade participants for the Reflections Art Program at the Brightwater Center. The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.
Building Skills for Life
In March, the Northshore Schools Foundation supported Northshore high school students, as well as students from across the state, in Building Skills for Life by judging at the Washington DECA State Career Development Conference.
The Foundation evaluated students' innovative solutions to real life business and marketing challenges and were amazed at the level of poise and confidence displayed by the students as well as their innovative approaches to problem solving. DECA provides students with invaluable opportunities to cultivate real-world problem solving and presentation skills in the context of professional business standards. As was highlighted in a previous Connections newsletter, Northshore School District students achieved impressive results, with many students advancing to the international competition.
Also, in mid-March, the foundation took part in and helped sponsor the annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) open house. During this event, they introduced Northshore students and parents to the Skills 4 Life podcast—a collection of 40 concise episodes designed to offer insights into various career paths and the necessary preparations. Each episode is a compelling conversation with real-world professionals in high-demand industries. This podcast is geared toward the middle and high school family audience. Find out how to listen here.
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Calendar
The following section features no-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.
*Begins at sundown of previous day/ends at sundown
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March 25 - Holi
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March 25 - School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
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March 27 - Wednesday Early Release
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March 31 - Easter
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April 3 - Wednesday Early Release
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April 8-12 - Spring Break, No School
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April 9 - Ugadi/Yugadi New Year
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April 10 - *Eid al-Fitr
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April 13 - Vaisakhi/Vishu New Year
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April 17 - Wednesday Early Release
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April 22 - School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
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April 23-30 - *Passover
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April 23-30 - *Feast of Unleavened Bread (Last Day)
Holi
Holi is a festival of colors celebrated by Hindus around the world and locally this year on Sunday, March 24. Holi is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring, victory of good over evil, spreading friendship, peace, and joy in the community. On the previous day, people light bonfires and dance around it. The next morning people join together on the streets, sprinkle colors on each other, and share sweets. The bonfires represent destroying bacteria in the air, and colors represent strengthening the immune system and adding beauty. A number of community events took place on Saturday, March 23 in celebration of Holi.
Easter
Easter is one of the principal holidays of Christianity. It marks the resurrection of Jesus three days after his crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence. In 2024, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, March 31. We wish a Happy Easter to our students, families, community members, and staff who celebrate!
Ugadi/Yugadi New Year
Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Ugadi is also known as Telugu New Year, and it is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. The celebration is filled with rich tradition, reading, prayer, and charity. We wish a Happy Ugadi to our students, families, community members, and staff who celebrate!
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of connection, celebration, deep reflection, and continued prayer. It is commemorated by community-wide celebrations and a prayer service in the morning, followed by meals and festivities with friends and family. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days and the celebration varies each year as it is based on the lunar cycle. Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different Muslims around the world. Eid Mubarak to our students, families, community members, and staff who celebrate!
Vaisakhi/Vishu New Year
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is a Spring festival that happens on April 13th this year to celebrate 1699, the year that Sikhism was born as a collective faith. To celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs often visit places of worship called Gurdwaras, which are especially decorated for the occasion. Celebrations traditionally include singing, music, reading scriptures out loud, and chanting hymns. We wish a Happy Vaisakhi to our students, families, community members, and staff who celebrate!
Passover
Passover, or "Pesach" in Hebrew, is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the Jewish people's escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is a celebration spent with loved ones and friends, and is a time for reflection and giving thanks for new beginnings. The day is celebrated with a special meal called Seder with a combination of tastes, sounds, sensations, and smells that have been with the Jewish people for millennia. During Passover, dietary restrictions include the avoidance of grains such as wheat, barley, oats, spelt, and rye that can ferment and become leavened. Happy Passover to all who celebrate!
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.
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March 25 - International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
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March 28 - Maundy Thursday
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March 29 - Good Friday (Christian)
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March 30 - Holy Saturday
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March 30 - Orthodox Holy Saturday
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April 20-May 1 - *Ridvan
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April 6 - *Laylat al Qadr
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April 13-16 - Bun Pi Mai
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April 16 - Rama Navami
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April 18 - Birthday of Guru Angad Dev
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April 22-30 - *Feast of Unleavened Bread
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.
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