'Tis the Season of Giving in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Each year schools and district buildings across LWSD think of ways to benefit those most in need during the holiday season.

Mia Orloff, Assistant Cheer Coach at Juanita High School (JHS), was recently awarded the 2020 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association (WSCCA). Orloff was presented the award on September 12, 2020.

Today, October 12, is Indigenous People’s Day. Staff and students in the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) are honoring the first inhabitants in the United States by acknowledging and commemorating their contributions, history and culture. 

A total of 10 new SAGE (Smart Academic Green Environment) portable classrooms were installed at four elementary schools over the summer.

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.

Due to rapid enrollment growth, LWSD is adding portables to seven campuses this fall. These projects were planned as part of the 2019 Capital Levy capacity projects and are funded by remaining state construction assistance dollars.

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students performed very well at this year’s Washington State National History Day (NHD) event. Eight LWSD students in three categories won at the competition held virtually because of the Coronavirus on May 2. You can view the full virtual event on YouTube.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day will be different than most. Schools won’t be doing their usual Earth Day activities this year. But many schools have been working to achieve or maintain their King County Green Schools status throughout the year.

In addition to free breakfasts and lunches available to all kids 1-18, and weekend Pantry Packs, school staffs, families and PTSA groups are helping out during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating food and funds to help ensure students receive support during this difficult time.

A big thanks to our nutrition services and transportation staff. Because of their commitment and service, LWSD has served thousands of meals to our students since March 16!

Lauren Jackson, humanities teacher at International Community School, had a thought last June. She had a hunch the school’s new art and literary magazine was special, so she submitted it for an award. Turns out, she was right.

LWSD schools recently honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.