District Announcements

Attend to achieve

A recent Associated Press report showed that the state of Washington has one of the highest rates of chronic absenteeism in the country. While the Lake Washington School District has one of the lowest rates in the state, 10 percent of our students are considered chronically absent (missing 10 percent or more of school).

To continue to reduce the number of students that are chronically absent, we’ve updated our attendance policies to focus on chronic absenteeism at all levels. During the month of September, as part of Attendance Awareness Month, we have been communicating with students about the importance of regular school attendance. Learn more about attendance matters in LWSD.

Safety Corner

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.

Building on Success

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. 

Thank you, voters!

Come tour the new LWSD schools
Ella Baker and Clara Barton Elementary Schools opened to students this fall. Both schools are giving the community an opportunity to see the new buildings in October with an open house. Tours will be available at each school on the following dates:

• Ella Baker Elementary School
  Saturday, October 6, 2018
  10:00 a.m. - 1: 30 p.m.
• Clara Barton Elementary School
  Thursday, October 11, 2018
  4:15 - 7:00 p.m.

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.

Important Reminders and Updates

Reminder: Upcoming Parent Information Nights for Highly Capable Programs/Quest

Applications for Highly Capable Programs/Quest will be available on the district website on Monday, October 1. All applications are due on Friday, October 26 at 4 p.m. Information sessions are available for parents on the following dates/times:

• Grades 1-4 Highly Capable Information Night
  Thursday, October 4, Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center
  6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Middle School (Grades 5-7) Highly Capable Information Night
  Monday, October 8, Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center
  6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Kindergarten Highly Capable Information Night
  Tuesday, October 2, Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m.

Attendance at information sessions is optional and not required to apply to Highly Capable Programs.  

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.

Washington State 2018 Healthy Youth Survey

Our district is participating in the Washington State 2018 Healthy Youth Survey during fall 2018.
The Healthy Youth survey includes questions related to physical activity and diet, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, risk and protective factors, access to school-based services, and sexual behaviors, abuse and orientation. Survey results are used by schools, communities and state agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and the students’ answers are anonymous.

Please read the Parent and Student Notification Letter for more information about the Healthy Youth Survey:

Read more about the Healthy Youth Survey on the district website.

Lake Washington School District implements new volunteer system in 2018-19

This summer, Lake Washington School District’s volunteer application system was transferred to a volunteer system developed by Raptor Technologies, Inc. Raptor is used across the nation in many school districts and is considered the industry leader.

Information for all current volunteers has been transferred into the new volunteer system. If you are still within your two-year approval window, you do not need to reapply. The renewal window opens 30 days before your expiration date. Volunteers can now renew through the district website instead of logging into Parent Access.

If you are an approved volunteer, you have access to a volunteer portal with Raptor. If you are wondering when your volunteer application expires, you can find this information on your profile. Use your email address for the username and if you don’t already have a password, click “Forgot my Password.” This will help you reset the account password. Your “renewal window” opens thirty days before your application is due to expire and you should receive an email from Raptor reminding you to renew with instructions on how to do so.

Remember, this time of year we receive a large volume of volunteer applications. It can take up to two weeks to process an application.

Read more about the new volunteer system.

Work with us

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.

Student & Staff Success

Lake Washington students continue to score well above state average on state assessments

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students continue to score well-above the state average in all areas tested by the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Read more about LWSD students' state assessment scores.  

Back to school Blitz – Seahawks mascot and grant money presentation highlight back to school event

The John Muir Elementary PTSA held their annual Welcome Back Social just a few days after school started. Families, staff and community members greeted one another and met Blitz, the Seattle Seahawks mascot. Read more about John Muir Elementary School's Back to school Blitz.

Read more student and staff success stories here.