Connections - August 28, 2025

Welcome back!

We are about ready to start the 2025-26 school year, and that means Connections is back. For those of you who are new to the district, Connections is our community newsletter that is sent out just about every two weeks, usually on Thursdays. You’ll find important information in each edition like district happenings, stories from around LWSD, and more.

Calendar information

The page-per-month 2025-26 calendar is posted on the portal and the LWSD website. Here are a few key dates for the first two weeks of school:

• The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Tuesday, September 2.
• The first day for kindergarten is Friday, September 5 (staggered start).
• Kindergarten Family Connections days will run from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4.
• Elementary conferences will be held Tuesday, September 2, through Thursday, September 4. Grades 1-5 will have half days each of these days.
• The first day of preschool is Tuesday, September 9.
• Wednesday, September 3 is a full school day for grades 6-12, not a 90/105-minute early release day.
• The early release Wednesday schedule begins on Wednesday, September 10.

Extraordinary Futures Start Today!

Exceptional Experiences for each learner

Dear Lake Washington School District Community,

Extraordinary futures start today! As we continue our pursuit of excellence across Lake Washington School District, I’m excited to introduce our updated strategic framework, a guide for decision-making, the development of strategic initiatives and the foundation for who we are and what we stand for as an organization. This framework reflects our shared commitment to building a bright future for our students, staff and community.

Throughout the 2023–24 school year, three representative groups made up of staff, administrators, students and community members collaborated to shape the LWSD Student Profile. This aspirational profile defines the mindsets and skills our students need to thrive in a complex, global, 21st-century world. It also provides a clear and consistent focus to align our efforts moving forward. Just as importantly, the profile identifies the staff practices and organizational principles essential to achieving our ultimate mission: success for every student.

This new strategic framework includes several interconnected components designed to bring our vision for students to life:

• Our Values are the heart of the plan.
• The Student Profile is what we’re striving to achieve.
• Strategic Commitments anchor the framework.
• Strategic Cycles of Innovation drive how we will get there.
• Engagement and Data (KPIs) inform and enhance the framework and measure progress along the way.

Together, these components form a comprehensive framework that will guide our district towards achieving a vision of excellence for our students. We are committed to working collaboratively with our community of stakeholders to ensure each student’s success and to provide exceptional educational experiences for every student.

We look forward to this journey together and to all we will accomplish together on behalf of our students. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our district.

Dr. Jon Holmen

Superintendent

Learn more: Strategic Framework - Lake Washington School District.

Review the PDF version of the Framework here.

Canvas corner

Beginning this year, all LWSD secondary schools will be using Canvas as our official learning management system. This means Canvas will be the main digital hub for your student's classes — a place for assignments and course work. As a family member who supports a student in grades 6-12, here are a few things to know about Canvas at LWSD to launch into the new school year:

• Getting your family account: Your account (called an “Observer” account in Canvas) is created automatically using your contact information in Skyward’s Family Access. To log in for the first time, visit the LWSD Canvas Family site. Scroll down the page to “Logging in for the first time?” and you’ll see instructions for both online registration (web browser) and the Canvas Parent App.
• Quick video guides: The same webpage has short videos to help you get started. They cover logging in, finding your way around a course, and managing notifications. Translated videos are also available!
• Control your notifications: After logging in, your first step should be to set your notification preferences. By default, Canvas can send a lot of emails. To avoid being overwhelmed, you can choose exactly what you want to be notified about and how often. You can set these preferences for both email and the Parent App.
• See Canvas through the eyes of students: In the “For Students” tab, there are also videos for students by students! We are so proud of our LWSD students for making these videos, and they are really helpful for seeing some of the useful features that your student(s) engage with in Canvas and may even be a good conversation starter.

This initiative is part of the 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy. We want to thank our LWSD community and voters for your continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District. Your support makes tools like this possible.

Kindergarten Family Connections help students, families have a successful year

The first day of school for grades 1-12 is on Tuesday, September 2. Students in Grades 1-5 will have half-days on September 2, 3 and 4 for elementary conferences. Kindergarten students will have Family Connection Meetings on September 2, 3 or 4. The first day of Kindergarten is Friday, September 5. Kindergarten families should expect to receive additional information from their school about their specific schedules.

Need to know your school’s start and end time? Visit our school hours page on the LWSD website: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/families/school-hours.

LWSD back to school countdown on Facebook

We are excited to welcome back our students for the 2025-26 school year! As we all prepare for the first day of school, visit the LWSD Facebook page for a list of resources that will help prepare your student for school. Follow us as we count down to the first day of school!

Inclusion preschool in Lake Washington School District

Looking for a preschool for your 3- or 4 year-old? We are now enrolling for the 2025-26 school year!

Our inclusion preschool program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education.

LWSD preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. Your child must be three or four years old by August 31, 2025, and live within the Lake Washington School District boundaries. (Students who are 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025 must register for Kindergarten.)

View the inclusion preschool flyer here.

Visit the LWSD website for more information.

Attention LWSD Families with School Bus Riders!

We’re excited to introduce StopFinder, a powerful new mobile app designed to improve your experience with school transportation—and it’s fantastic!

The Transportation Department has recently sent account activation emails to contacts associated with student riders. Please check your inbox and follow the instructions in the invitation to subscribe and download the app.

StopFinder puts real-time bus information right at your fingertips, helping you stay informed and connected every step of the way.

You can download the StopFinder app on your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play.

Some key details:

• Student-linked account activation emails were only sent to contacts of students who are LWSD bus-riders.
• To be linked to your student-rider, you must be one of the two primary contacts listed in Skyward for that student. Other users can be added manually by the user once they activate their account (more information on the StopFinder app page).
• StopFinder account activation emails were sent to primary contacts who have NOT yet activated their account. 
• Account activation emails are only active for 30 days. If you need a new activation email sent, please notify transportation.
•  Check the LWSD Transportation page for other related information.

This new LWSD transportation app, along with upgrades to our routing software, was funded by 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy, and we wanted to acknowledge and thank our LWSD district residents and voters for their continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District.

Drivers: Know the laws about school bus safety

A message from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Across the state, students are preparing to return to their classrooms for another year of learning and school transportation teams are ensuring their buses are ready to safely transport students each day.  

A survey recently released by The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) suggests drivers need reminding of the laws about school bus safety.  

Since 2011, school bus drivers from across the country have participated in the NASDPTS one-day survey, which aims to determine how many motorists illegally pass stopped school buses. More than 114,000 school bus drivers participated in the 2025 survey, including over 3,000 in Washington state.  

During the one-day survey, Washington school bus drivers documented 1,156 instances of drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus. Multiplied by the number of days in the school year, the survey results indicate that drivers are illegally passing a school bus in Washington state more than 200,000 times per year. Nationwide, drivers reported the total for the one-day survey was 67,258. 

Click here to read more. 

Speed safety cameras coming to school zones this fall

This fall, the City of Redmond will launch its Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program. Speed safety cameras are measurement devices that detect vehicles violating a speed limit. They are a highly effective tool used to improve community safety by reducing speeding and potential collisions in areas where it matters most – like school zones and high-traffic intersections – which Redmond residents and community members have shared is a priority item.

Speed safety cameras will be installed at:

• Redmond High School (17272 NE 104th Street)
• Redmond Middle School (10055 166th Avenue NE)
• Rose Hill Middle School (13505 NE 75th Street)

The City expects these cameras to significantly improve compliance with school zone speed limits, creating a safer environment for students and families arriving, leaving, or walking near schools.

Benefits of speed safety cameras:

• Classified as a proven safety countermeasure by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Reduce collisions by up to 54%.
• Reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by up to 47%.
• Improve the safety of children and other community members.
• Create funding for additional traffic safety improvements.
• Increase speed limit compliance.
• Promote responsible driving.

Please note, a warning period will be in effect for the first 45 days of camera operation. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the posted school zone speed limit will receive a courtesy notice instead of a violation. The courtesy notice requires no payment or response but serves as a learning opportunity for drivers.

Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping keep Redmond’s students, educators, and wider community safe. 

Learn more about the Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program by viewing the flyer or by visiting redmond.gov/SpeedSafetyCameras.

2025 Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the House of Representatives. Since its inception in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge has grown to become the most prestigious prize in computer science. Over 50,000 students have participated in the Congressional App Challenge across 374 Congressional Districts in 50 states and five U.S. territories. This year, Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) will be participating in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

From May 1 to October 30, Rep. Schrier will be hosting a Congressional App Challenge for middle school and high school students of all coding skills in Washington’s 8th congressional district. Students can submit any coded project built on any platform. The Congressional App Challenge urges all students to enter the competition, as it encourages critical thinking and creativity for those of all computer science experience levels.

View the flyer for more information. 

Puget Sound Energy offers support for families and households in our district

Lake Washington School District is committed to sustainability. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has programs available to our community to help manage energy usage and reduce monthly bills.

Energy assistance programs

• Bill Discount Rate: Eligible customers can save between 5% and 45% on their monthly energy bills.
• Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP): Provides up to a $1,000 credit to help pay your energy bill. Applying for HELP also initiates an application for the Bill Discount Rate.
• Past Due Bill Forgiveness: Offers a fresh start by forgiving a portion of your past due balance.
• Home Weatherization Assistance: PSE partners with local agencies to provide free, whole-home upgrades that improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly costs.

Energy efficiency rebates 

PSE offers rebates on a variety of energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, including:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Smart thermostats
• Insulation and windows

Additional programs (learn more at PSE.com)

• Community Solar Program: Save up to $240 per year on your electric bill by participating in PSE’s Community Solar program. Free shares from local solar projects are available to eligible customers.
• Tools to Track and Manage Energy Use: Access self-service tools that help you understand your home’s energy consumption and receive personalized tips to save energy.
• PSE Flex Program: Earn rewards by shifting your energy use away from peak demand times. This helps reduce strain on the grid and can lower your bill.

Click here to view the flyer (Spanish) and you can learn more at PSE.com.

Safety corner: District tip line

Safety is one of our district’s top priorities. Our district uses Vector Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration five different ways:

1. App: Search for “Vector Alert” in the App Store to download for free
2. Phone: 425.529.5763
3. Text: Text your tip to 425.529.5763
4. Email: 1342@alert1.us
5. Web: https://1342.alert1.us

You can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, threats of violence or any safety issue you're concerned about through Vector Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use our district’s identification code: 1342 in your communication.

Every tip Vector Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer.

Together, using Vector Alert, we can make our district a safer place to work and learn! View this poster for more information.

988 suicide and crisis lifeline

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress—whether that is thoughts of suicide, symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorder or other factors. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need these types of crisis supports.

Volunteering in fall 2025

If you would like to volunteer in our schools in the fall, please make sure your volunteer status is current. Contact Chris Robison (crobison@lwsd.org) if you have any questions about your approval status. 

If you’ve let your volunteer approval status lapse or you need to apply for the first time, please submit the application NOW! Here is the link to the Raptor online volunteer application.

Peachjar to deliver community electronic flyers

LWSD will continue using the Peachjar eflyer service this school year. Peachjar distributes eflyers from nonprofit organizations as well as from schools and school-related organizations directly to parent email inboxes. If you are new to LWSD, you will receive a welcome email from Peachjar that gives instructions on how to manage flyer delivery preferences. Learn more about Peachjar on the district website. 

Your tax dollars at work!

Summer progress on 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy projects

Over the summer, construction teams made progress on three major projects for the 2025-26 school year: rebuilding and enlarging Rockwell Elementary, and additions at Eastlake High School (EHS) and Redmond High School (RHS). These projects are funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy approved by voters.

Rebuild & Enlarge Rockwell Elementary:

• Installed aggregate piers to support the new building.
• Concrete foundation work is complete.
• The stormwater system is underway and designed to handle major storms and protect downstream properties from flooding.

Additions at Eastlake High School (EHS) & Redmond High School (RHS):

• EHS will have 12 new classrooms and support spaces in the north wing.
• RHS will have 10 new classrooms and support spaces in a new two-story renovation of the administration wing.
• Temporary portables were added to both schools to house various functions during construction.
• Both additions are scheduled to open in 2026.

Learn more: Rockwell Elementary Rebuild & Enlarge | EHS Addition | RHS Addition

Three LWSD schools recognized nationally as PTA Schools of Excellence

National PTA has recognized Keller Elementary, Redmond Middle School and Wilder Elementary as 2024-26 Schools of Excellence. These schools are three of only 330 PTAs and schools nationwide to be recognized with this designation. They received this recognition for their accomplishments in building a strong, effective family-school partnership that is enriching the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

Read more about this on the LWSD website.

Eastlake High School students lead sustainability initiative

Eastlake High School junior and EHS PTSA Sustainability Co-Chair Haarika Nidadavolu, along with her fellow co-chairs and student volunteers, are spearheading an educational initiative aimed at making sustainability a daily practice for students. The team is dedicated to developing educational materials and delivering presentations at local schools, with plans to expand their efforts to reach a wider audience.

Read more about this on the LWSD website.

Remember...

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