Redmond, Wash. – Forty-eight Lake Washington School District (LWSD) high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. That is the most ever for LWSD.

During its July 13 School Board Meeting, Lake Washington School District Superintendent, Dr. Jon Holmen, removed “Rebels” as the Juanita High School mascot. Dr. Matt Livingston, Director of Secondary Education and Juanita High School Principal, Kelly Clapp, will now begin the process outlined in Policy 6970 to select a new mascot.

Over the last six weeks we have been actively monitoring the COVID-19 data produced by King County Public Health (KCPH). As you recall, on July 23, I announced we would be starting the school year with the majority of students learning remotely. Since that time, the data related to the virus got worse before it started to become more promising. Additionally, since July 23, the Washington State Department of Health provided guidance to all school districts about when and how to reopen. This guidance was called the Decision Tree.

This is the final weekly communication of the summer related to the Return to School Task Force efforts. Moving forward, I will be providing updates/communication specific to the Return to School Task Force during the first week of each month. This will align with my commitment to staff and families to provide monthly updates related to the spread of the virus, our analysis of this data, and continued planning for when students can return for in-person learning.

It is that time of year when familiar routines remind us that another school year is about to begin. Internally, we have welcomed our new staff through job specific orientation; administrators participated in annual professional learning and planning sessions; our new teaching staff was welcomed and started their week-long training program; our office professionals held their professional learning and training day; our custodians and bus drivers held their in-service training; and all teachers and certificated staff and many of our support staff are preparing to return to work next week. While these routines are familiar, we are acutely aware of how different the start of school will be this year. Externally, families are preparing for what will be a different start to the year as well. Many families have participated in laptop/textbook pick up procedures at their child’s school, school supplies are purchased, and learning spaces are being prepared. District staff and families are both focused on the same outcome, positive learning and success for every student. Your partnership is greatly appreciated, and our staff looks forward to providing a rigorous and beneficial learning experience for your child.

Three schools in Lake Washington School District were named 2020 Sustaining Green Schools by King County Green Schools in June. Environmental & Adventure School (EAS) qualified for the recognition for the first time this year. The shared campus of Carl Sandburg Elementary and Discovery Community School have earned the recognition for five consecutive years.