Connections - December 5, 2024
Reminder: Season of Giving '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. They do so by holding food or clothing drives, or collecting items to donate to others in the community. The items collected are distributed to families and non-profit organizations throughout the area. |
Work with us
We're hiring! Consider a career in LWSD
LWSD is always seeking great talent for positions throughout our district. In addition to other positions available throughout the district, we are looking for applicants for the following positions:
- Nurses
- Instructional assistants (IAs)
- Paraeducators
- Custodians
- Bus Drivers
- Substitutes
These positions are also available in a substitute role. Check out the LWSD website for job descriptions and postings.
Learning Focused
Highly Capable identification and assessment 2024-25
Skyward is now open until December 15 for Highly Capable identification referrals (Grades K, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8) and for opting out of universal screening (Grades 2, 5).
Referral and universal screening information
We are pleased to share the upcoming timeline and details for the Highly Capable referral and identification process during the 2024-25 school year, to begin services in Fall 2025. This process is essential in ensuring that we identify and support students who would benefit from highly capable learning opportunities.
Please note: The K-8 Highly Capable Program Review Committee, launched in Fall 2023, has made recommendations that the district is currently reviewing as part of an ongoing evaluation of LWSD services. As the committee’s work progresses, we remain committed to providing a timely identification and assessment process for our families. The identification process and service models will be aligned with these recommendations, and we will share updates with our community as they are finalized.
Referral and Universal Screening Timeline
- December 2–15, 2024: Referral window for Grades K, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and Opt-out window for Universal Screening years of Grades 2, 5 opens in Skyward.
- January–March 2025: Universal Screening for Grades 2 and 5. CogAT assessment for all referred students in non-universal screening years (K, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8) and Middle School students.
For Skyward opt-in/opt-out process instructions, information for private and homeschool students, assessment details and more, please refer to this document from the Accelerated Programs department.
Reminder: Computer Science (CS) Education Week & Hour of Code, December 9-15, 2024
Hour of Code started in 2013 as an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education and learn about the role of computing in all careers. In today's technology-driven world, students’ success will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works and how to solve problems and create with technology. Students across the district, at all levels, have participated in these events in the past, either in their classrooms or on their own, and have had a great experience.
In 2019, LWSD saw participation in Hour of Code expand with new levels of support from the Teaching & Learning and Career & Technical Education departments. Today, computer science learning happens in all schools during this week and beyond!
This year’s theme for CS Ed Week, "Make the Invisible Visible," is about those thrilling moments when students make real-world connections between computer science and the things they love.
During this week students engage in a variety of activities both on and off the computer that:
- Cultivate students’ interest and make connections to STEM subjects and their daily lives.
- Empower students to be creators of technology, not simple consumers.
- Deepen understanding of the intersection between computer science and other subjects and skills.
Even at the earliest grades students are beginning to explore computational thinking concepts like sequencing, algorithms, loops and events. Reach out to your student’s teacher and school and find out how you can help during this week and beyond.
Reminder: Inclusive Schools Week: December 2-6, 2024
Inclusive Schools Week is December 2-6, 2024. The theme this year is "Every Voice Matters." Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated annually the first week in December by families, schools and organizations around the world. The week highlights and celebrates the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population.
The week provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. It is an occasion to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of teachers, administrators, students, and parents in making their schools more inclusive, and, thereby, significantly contributing to the development of a more inclusive society.
District announcements
Final reminder: Winter Toy Drive
November 1-December 10
Help spread holiday cheer in our community by donating new, unwrapped toys this season. Your generosity will benefit children throughout Lake Washington School District. The Winter Toy Drive runs from November 1 to December 10, and toys are needed for children and teens ages 5–18.
Drop Off Locations:
- LWSD Resource Center
16250 NE 74th St., Redmond
- Kirkland City Hall
123 5th Avenue, Kirkland
- North Kirkland Community Center
12421 103rd Ave NE, Kirkland
- Peter Kirk Community Center
352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
Monetary donations can be made through our partnership with Lake Washington Schools Foundation at www.lwsf.org/lp/winter-toy-drive/.
Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather?
When emergency conditions such as snow and ice or windstorms result in school schedule changes, the district will notify families directly through ParentSquare.
Here are some other ways to find out about school schedule changes:
- Pop-up alert on https://www.lwsd.org/ and school webpages.
- Flashalert.net – This website allows you to sign up for text messages as well.
- Local TV/radio stations – They get a feed from Flashalert.net of all school schedule change decisions.
Curious how school schedule change decisions are made? You can learn how to be updated when school is delayed or canceled on the School Closures and Late Starts page of the district website.
Lake Washington School Foundation
It’s not too late to give back!
Giving Tuesday may have passed, but there’s still time to support local students through the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF). Your donation funds vital programs—feeding kids, supporting mental health and enriching school libraries.
Hear Franklin Elementary counselor Stacey O'Brien share how Pantry Packs changes lives: Watch here.
Plus, your gift will be doubled thanks to a $20,000 matching challenge!
Make your impact today: www.lwsf.org/donate-now.
All in a Day’s Play: Boosting Brain Power Through Play | ParentEd Talk
The secret ingredient to supercharging your child’s brain power? More play!
Learn how to create a more playful environment in your home, foster creativity and problem-solving skills, and encourage cooperation over obedience.
You can access a recording of this recent ParentEd Talk with beloved Seattle educator Teacher Tom by signing up for the entire series at www.lwsf.org/our-work/ParentEd-Talks.
Click here to view the flyer.
Building Excellence
Building Excellence is Lake Washington School District's long-term plan to provide permanent classrooms for students and address aging facilities and reduce reliance on portables through 2034. The Building Excellence Plan identifies the specific projects needed and a long-term funding plan that allows all required projects to be completed by 2034.
Thank you, voters!
On November 5, the Lake Washington School District community voted to approve Proposition 1, the LWSD capital construction levy. Thank you to our community for your continued support of LWSD students, staff and schools. The Building Excellence Capital Construction levy will help ensure that all students have access to safe, modern learning spaces that support their education. For more information on the levy, please visit the 2024 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy webpage.
Exciting developments at Kirkland Middle School: A tour of the new modular addition
Lake Washington School District recently hosted an industry tour for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) at Kirkland Middle School, showcasing an innovative, 8-classroom modular addition. This project highlights our commitment to trust, innovation and enhancing student experiences.
Key Features
Courtyard Design
The new addition features a thoughtfully designed courtyard, providing a vibrant space for outdoor learning and social interaction, fostering community among students.
Modern foods classrooms
The foods classrooms will allow students to explore culinary arts, promoting creativity and essential life skills.
Individual stall restrooms
The addition includes individual stall restrooms, ensuring all students have access to safe and comfortable facilities.
Efficient Modular Construction
Utilizing modular construction reduces costs and minimizes on-site time, allowing for quicker delivery of these new learning spaces.
This tour not only showcased our progress but also reinforced our commitment to transparency and collaboration within Lake Washington School District. We are excited about the future and look forward to seeing our students thrive in these inspiring environments!
Student & Staff Success
Let the rhythm take control - Two Juanita High School students guest DJ for local radio station
Lifelong musicians and Juanita High School students Andrew Schaff, sophomore, and Lars Hausermann, senior, are making waves. Most notably over the airwaves. The two could be heard as guest DJs on the first hour of Evening Jazz on local radio station KNKX as part of their School of Jazz program on November 7.
Two school psychologists receive 2024 Best Practices Award
Two school psychologists, Jo Sentell, a school psychologist at Evergreen Middle School and Kristen Iverson, a school psychologist at Timberline Middle School, were recognized by the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP) as 2024 recipients of the Best Practices Award for Education and Supervision and Best Practices Award for Consultation, respectively.
According to the WSASP website, individuals trained as School Psychologists and who are engaged in primarily in the practice of School Psychology in Washington State are eligible. The practice of school psychology is considered to be the application of psychological knowledge to resolving school problems. School psychologists who are primarily Involved in the training and supervision of school psychologists are considered to be eligible for these awards.