A Message from Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent

Four Learning Communities – One School District – For all Kids
The leaves are turning and signs of fall are in the air. As someone who is new to Washington, I have been grateful to have such beautiful weather while exploring the great Pacific Northwest. I have also been exploring our district and LWSD communities, meeting many people along the way who support the work we do to educate our students and prepare them for their future opportunities.

We have many amazing things to celebrate in our district – high achievement, beautiful schools, specialized programs, and rich diversity. We also have areas that require ongoing attention and a strong focus to ensure continuous improvement. There are students who are not yet proficient in their ability to read. We have students who may not complete high school, and we have ongoing space needs due to inadequate facility capacity for a growing population.

How do we tackle those challenges and commit to a strong future for all students? We do it together – four learning communities – one school district – for all kids – #414. Lake Washington School District #414 is committed to making sure our students have the best opportunities to excel and succeed now and in the future.

Read more of Dr. Stavem’s October Message here.

Welcome Event for New and International Families — All Families Welcome!

LWSD and the LWPTSA Council are hosting two Welcome Events for New and International Families. These events will be held at the LWSD Resource Center on Thursday, October 25 from 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, October 27 from 9:30 a.m.—Noon (sessions are identical).

These events will feature guidance for new and international families, including:

• Navigating the school system.
• Special sessions for parents of elementary and secondary students.
• Pacific Northwest activities and culture.
• Relocation challenges and America 101 for international families.
• Meet and learn from PTSA and parents.

Families can register here.

Elementary conferences on October 15, 16 and 18

The first set of elementary conferences is scheduled for October 15, 16 and 18 in the afternoon. (These dates will be half-days for elementary students.) The conferences will give parents/guardians, students and teachers an opportunity to talk about the goals students have set for themselves.

LEAP Day – October 19 (No School)

October 19 is a Learning Enhancement and Academic Planning (LEAP) Day. That means no school for students so that teachers and staff members can focus on professional development.

Building on Success is Lake Washington School District's long-term plan to reduce overcrowding, accommodate growing enrollment and continue to provide quality learning environments and experiences for our students.

Ella Baker and Clara Barton Elementary Schools Grand Openings & Community Open Houses

Hundreds of students, staff, parents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening for two of LWSD’s new schools. Ella Baker Elementary School (Baker) held its grand opening on Friday, October 5. One week later on Thursday, October 11, Clara Barton Elementary (Barton) hosted its own celebration and open house. Lake Washington School District Board Members were on hand for both grand openings along with Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem and many other district leaders.

Both schools welcomed the public for an open house (Baker the next day on Saturday, October 6 and Barton shortly after their grand opening on the 11th). Dozens of community members had the chance to see what make the schools an ideal learning environment for students.

View a video of some highlights from the Baker grand opening and open house. A video for Barton will be made available in the next edition of Connections.

The two new elementary schools are funded by the 2016 voter-approved bond measure. The schools are energy efficient and designed to enhance learning. Each has space for 690 students.

12th Annual Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) Veterans’ Pow Wow – October 20

The 12th annual Eastside Native American Education Program's Veterans' Honor Pow Wow will be held on Saturday, October 20. The Veterans dinner begins at 3 p.m. Grand Entry will start at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Juanita High School (10601 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland, WA 98034). For additional information, contact Mary Wilber at 425-936-1402. Admission is free.

Highly Capable Programs/Quest Applications Due Friday, October 26

Applications for Highly Capable Programs/Quest are now available on the district website. All applications are due on Friday, October 26 at 4 p.m. If a family is unable to access the internet-based application or needs an application in a language other than English, please contact the Accelerated Programs Office at 425-936-1238. More information on these programs can be found on the Accelerated Programs section of the district website.

National School Bus Safety Week – October 22-26

National School Bus Safety Week is a public education program to address the importance of school bus safety. School districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week the third week in October each year. This year’s theme is #StopOnRed! Remember to stop for buses when the red lights blink and the Stop sign is out.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness month co-founded and co-led by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance.

Program materials from the Stop.Think.Connect.Toolkit provide information and activities to help students, staff, and parents learn more about and practice safe computing. Cyber criminals target vulnerable computer systems or users of technology in large and small businesses, schools, and at home. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility in which we all have a role. Click on the links to access tools for Students and Parents and Educators.

Meet the Central Leadership Team

The district’s Central Leadership Team (CLT) is committed to providing high quality programs and services to students, staff, schools and families. To learn more about our district leaders, see the full CLT organizational chart.

Wear orange on October 24 to show we’re together against bullying

Unity Day is Wednesday, October 24
Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together – in schools, communities, and online – and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope and unity. Show that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Read more about Unity Day.

High School PE Credit Options

High school students can meet the Physical Education graduation requirement through taking PE classes, taking the Fitness Knowledge Assessment or submitting a Fitness Plan. The Fitness Knowledge Assessment is offered three times a year. The first session will be October 24. Students must fill out specific forms and register for this test at their high school. Students opting for the Fitness Plan will have three opportunities to submit their plan this year. The first deadline is October 24. See the district website for more information.

Reminder: Earthquake Preparedness in LWSD

Lake Washington School District works with all its schools to ensure that earthquake response plans are in place. Our buildings are built to seismic codes, and older buildings have been retrofitted. All natural gas lines have seismic shut-off valves. The district has a Safety Advisory Committee that meets monthly to discuss emergency and safety. As part of those plans, the district follows guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and currently recommends “drop, cover and hold” as the state-approved response to earthquakes. Students practice this method during earthquake drills. LWSD will also participate in the Great Washington ShakeOut on October 18 at 10:18 a.m. This is a state-wide earthquake drill.

We’re hiring!

LWSD needs bus drivers, custodians, para educators and instructional assistants. 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.

Custodians needed

LWSD is looking to fill multiple custodial positions throughout our district. Custodians need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a physical and pass a criminal background check. Job descriptions are available on the district website, under “Employment” then “Classified Employees.” Pass along to anyone looking for an important and fulfilling position with LWSD.

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.

October is Disability Awareness Month - Don’t Dis My Ability

Kacey McCallister lost both legs when he was six years old. Instead of treating him as though he had a disability, doctors told his parents not to do daily tasks for him. This piece of advice forced Kacey to learn to be self-sufficient, even when a task seemed hard or nearly impossible.

Kacey relayed this story to students at Rose Hill Elementary School on October 2. He told the students that, at some point in life, everyone is told they can’t do something. His motto? “You’ll never know if something is too hard until you try.” Read more about McCallister’s presentation at Rose Hill Elementary and other LWSD schools here.

Author of popular Ivy + Bean book series stops by Mann Elementary

Students at Horace Mann Elementary (Mann) School took advantage of a question and answer session with one of their favorite authors on Friday, September 28. Read more about Annie Barrows’ visit to Mann.

Read more student and staff success stories here.