Measles

As you may be aware, on January 25, Governor Inslee declared a public health state of emergency after reports of 31 confirmed cases of measles were identified in the state. Most of the confirmed cases are in Clark County and there is one confirmed case in King County. We currently do not have any cases of measles in Lake Washington School District.

This unusual occurrence of measles may generate some concern or questions. To help keep you informed, district processes and state law for vaccinations is outlined on the LWSD website.

Helping Students Find their Post-Graduation Path

Come learn about the supports and services that are available at your student's high school. Meet your high school's college and career specialist and learn “the inside scoop” on college admissions and post-secondary options. The event will be held at the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Resource Center on February 12 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Visit the Lake Washington PTSA Council Facebook event page for more information.

K-5 Science Adoption Committee to pilot two new science curricula

The K-5 Science Adoption Committee has been meeting since the start of the 2017-18 school year. Last year, the focus was on learning the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and shifts in teaching science. The Adoption Committee learned about Ambitious Science Teaching and effective practices in teaching science that emphasize student inquiry, discourse, and alignment with NGSS.

This year, the Adoption Committee utilized our district adoption rubrics to assess curriculum on key components of effective instruction: Assessment, Digital Resources, Effective Practice, NGSS Alignment (Standards), and Organization and Design. They reviewed twelve different curricula using the rubrics. Using a consensus model, they eliminated eight curricula that did not meet our needs and standards as a district, as measured by our rubrics. The Adoption Committee considered additional information provided by District Directors on indicators for materials that would ensure access and learning for all students, including those who are need of intervention, special services, and highly-capable extensions. These indicators also included a focus on features that promote equity, access, and opportunity for all students. The committee used this information to guide a deeper evaluation of the top four curricula and reached consensus in choosing two curricula to pilot this spring: Building Blocks of Science and Amplify Science. Teachers on the Adoption Committee, as well as some on a K-5 NGSS Learning Cohort, will pilot both curricula, gather student data and impact of curriculum, and collect student, teacher, and parent/community feedback.

The two programs will be piloted between January and March. Throughout the pilot period, the committee will consider how the different programs operate in a daily classroom environment for both teachers and students as well as how they effectively shift instruction towards the Next Generation Science Standards. The committee is scheduled to have a recommendation about the adoption of materials for our Instructional Materials Committee meeting on May 2, 2019. This will be followed by a recommendation to the Board on May 20, 2019.  As part of their work this year, the K-5 Science Adoption Committee will develop an implementation plan for the new curriculum for the 19/20 school year, dependent on Board approval of the materials.

The materials for both curricula are available for parent/public preview from February 5, 2019 to March 25, 2019. They are located outside the Curriculum Library on the first floor of the LWSD Resource Center. We would appreciate your feedback using the survey forms located alongside the materials. Additionally, there will be a Parent Information Night regarding the adoption process and pilot curriculum on February 28, 2019 in the Board Room of the LWSD Resource Center. If you have further questions, please contact Hanna Seidler or Jen Rose.

Capital Projects Levy by the numbers 

The LWSD Capital Projects Levy will be on the April 23, 2019 ballot. Between now and the election, the district will be providing opportunities to learn more about what is included in the levy proposal in publications like Connections, the district website and elsewhere. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to April. The 2019 Levy page is now available on the LWSD website for additional information. 

Below are some fast facts about the projects associated with the levy.

 

More room for students: 2016 bond projects in construction phase or open to students

Lake Washington School District continues to make progress on the eight projects that were included in the April 2016 bond passed by voters. These projects were proposed by the 63-member Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee in 2015. Click on the thumbnail to see the progress of each project. You can also visit the individual project pages for updates, or sign up to receive project updates.

In Case You Missed It: Building on Success Progress Report

The Building On Success Progress Report was sent to addresses across the district. It included an overview and progress updates on all eight 2016 bond projects. If you missed it in the mail, be sure to take a look online.

Thank you, LWSD School Board

January is School Board Recognition Month
The month of January is School Board Recognition Month in Washington state. The goal of this recognition is to honor school board members as outstanding elected officials and champions for public education." School directors play a crucial role in promoting student learning and achievement by creating a vision, establishing policies and budgets, and setting clear standards of accountability for all involved," says Governor Inslee in his proclamation. Read the full proclamation here. Interested in learning more about what our Board of Directors does? You can see videos of every school board meeting on the district website.

Final PE Credit Option Deadline Coming up

To earn a high school diploma, students must earn two health and fitness credits. 1.5 credits represent the fitness portion of the requirement and are met by course work in physical education. The other .5 credit is met by taking a health course. There may be special circumstances where a student may need an alternative option to meet this requirement. Students must fill out the Appendix E of the graduation policy and have it approved by a principal or designee to be eligible to use one of the options. These alternative PE options are available beginning in the student’s 11th grade school year.

One option, the Fitness Knowledge Assessment, will be given on February 27. For information on this option go to the district website. Check with your school to see when students must register by. Students who want to use a different option, the Fitness Plan, will need to submit their plan by February 27. The Fitness Plan directions are available on the district website. This is the final fitness assessment and plan opportunity for the 2018-19 school year.

Reminder: HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health curriculum presentation for grades 4-12

Interested in learning more about the HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health curriculum for students in grades 4-12? Attend the HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health curriculum presentation for 4 -12 grade parents on February 5 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052). Information about the curriculum will be shared and materials will be available for parents to review.

Reminder: Tell your neighbors and friends: Kindergarten Registration for 2019-20 starts February 7

If you live in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and your child will be five years old on or before August 31, 2019, it is time to register them for Kindergarten. Registration takes place at your neighborhood school, beginning February 7 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. and continuing during regular school hours through the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

While registration will continue throughout the school year and summer, parents are highly encouraged to register students as soon as possible. Doing so helps ensure class sizes are balanced and adequate staff are hired in time for the new school year. 

Visit the Kindergarten Information webpage for more information.

Reminder: Lake Washington Schools Open Enrollment Is February 1-28, 2019

Some schools closed to those outside their area
Lake Washington School District holds an open enrollment period once each year for parents who want their children to attend a school other than their neighborhood school. Parents may apply between February 1-28 for a change to the school assignment for the 2019-20 school year for their student in grades 1-12. This option is also known as an In-District Variance.

This open enrollment option only applies to neighborhood schools that have space available. The list of schools that are closed to students outside their neighborhood will be available on the district website on January 31. Schools are closed if current and projected enrollment shows that students who live within their attendance boundary will fill the school’s capacity. District enrollment has increased rapidly over the last seven years. Learn more on the In-District Variance webpage. 

LWSD celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Throughout the week leading up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, schools around Lake Washington School District (LWSD) celebrated the life and work of Dr. King. Schools learned about and honored his nonviolent contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Read the stories on our Facebook page to learn how various LWSD schools celebrated Dr. King.

A radio contest win turns into learning experience for students at Redmond High

Redmond High School Special Education teacher Samantha Love listens to 106.1 KISS FM every morning on her way to work. The station recently started a Teacher Tuesday contest to recognize the work teachers do. On Tuesday, January 15, Love was the fastest dialer and won the contest. Read more about the contest win.

Read more student and staff success stories here.

We’re hiring!

LWSD needs paraeducators and instructional assistants. bus drivers, custodians, plumbers, and a building equipment mechanics/HVAC specialist. Job descriptions are available on the district website, under “Employment” then “Classified Employees.” Bus drivers earn $25.57 per hour. Learn more about why driving a bus for LWSD is a great job. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors.

Sodexo/Nutrition Services is hiring

Are you looking for a way to get involved in LWSD? Would you like a part-time job that gives you the flexibility to be with your kids before and after school? Shifts that range from two hours to eight hours are available, helping serve students breakfast and lunch. Starting pay depends on experience. If interested, contact Nutrition Services at 425-936-1385.