We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD

LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:

• Paraeducators
• Nurses
• Instructional Assistants (IA’s)
• Custodians
• Bus Drivers
• Substitutes

These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings.

 

Upcoming feedback opportunity: School Start Time Committee

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has a School Start Time Committee that has been meeting since September. This committee has been tasked with making a recommendation to me for high schools to start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and to move preschool start and end times earlier in the day.   

The committee includes parents and staff from multiple perspectives across the different high school feeder areas and has met six times with one additional meeting left to make their recommendation. Early next week, we will offer an opportunity for stakeholders, including students, staff, and parents/caregivers, to provide input on two options that have been created by this group. That opportunity will remain open until January 10 and be communicated directly in multiple ways and on multiple communication channels. That’s also where we would like your help.  

We want to hear feedback from all stakeholders. Please share this upcoming opportunity to provide feedback in late December and early January with your friends and neighbors. Early next week, two options the committee are considering will be shared on the district’s website along with background and information on the process to date. There will also be an accompanying, translatable ThoughtExchange survey for families to share impacts and interests with the committee on the two different proposals. Additionally, there will be several informational sessions, both in person and online, scheduled for the first week back from winter break. Watch for more information coming soon.   

You can read more about the work done to date by the School Start Time Committee here: https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/task-forces/previous/school-start-time-advisory. 

 

Hour of Code a big success in LWSD schools

Hour of Code took place last week between December 5-11. This is an annual, worldwide opportunity that occurs every December to inspire K-12 educators and students to engage computer science to solve problems, advocate for equity in computer science education, celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field, and underscore the critical role of computing in all careers. This year’s theme was “explore, play, and create with code.” 

Check out the LWSD website for information and photos from students participating in Hour of Code.

 

Reminder: World Language proficiency testing

LWSD offers in-person, world language testing for high school students. These tests help students meet the “world languages” graduation requirement. They can earn up to four high school credits. They can also earn the Washington state “Seal of Biliteracy” on their transcript and diploma. 

• All high school students can take one language test for free. 
• Students can take the test at any location (see list below).
• Tests are available in any language that is both written and spoken.

See below for test dates and locations.

Date	Time	Location
Wednesday, January 18	1:30 p.m.	LWHS, RHS

Register and find more information here.

Questions? Contact the Assessment Team at assessmenthelp@lwsd.org.
 

LWSF Invests $10,000 in Elementary School Reading Program

We are pleased to announce that for the 2022-23 school year, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation has committed $10,000 to help 22 elementary schools purchase books for their annual Amazing Reading Challenge.  

This program aims to engage students in a variety of new, diverse texts with a range of reading levels. Students in grades 3-5 are excited to participate in this competition because of the book variety as well as the camaraderie of supporting one another to read and comprehend the books.   

We look forward to sharing more details and photos with you in the upcoming months! 

 

Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather? 

When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare. Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes:

• Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages. 
• Flashalert.net – this website allows you to sign up for text messages as well. 
• Local TV/radio stations – they get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions. 

If you are curious how school schedule change decisions are made please visit the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.

 

​Rose Hill Middle School students explore the concept of "American art" at SAM

On November 17 and 18, seventh and eighth grade Visual Art students from Rose Hill Middle School took a field trip to the Seattle Art Museum. Students participated in docent-led tours and art activities focusing on the topic “American Identity.” Students viewed artwork of various media and time periods.

Learn more about this on the LWSD website.

 

This newsletter is just one way to stay in touch with what is happening in the district. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for up-to-date news and information.