Connections - February 12, 2025
No school: Mid-Winter Break – February 13-14 & Presidents Day – February 17
Just a reminder that Mid-Winter Break is February 13-14 and all schools will be closed. District offices will remain open during the break. Schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for Presidents Day.
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
Tuition preschool enrollment lottery for 2025-26 school year now open
The tuition-based Lake Washington School District (LWSD) preschool program is now accepting entries into our enrollment lottery for the 2025-26 school year. New families interested in securing a seat for their child to enroll at one of the LWSD preschool sites in the 2025-26 school year need to complete a preschool lottery entry form.
Currently enrolled/returning preschool students, preschool students on an IEP or students enrolled in our Head Start program do not need to fill out a lottery entry form.
Forms received before March 7, 2025, will be entered into a lottery for a seat in the LWSD Preschool program. The lottery will be held the week of March 18, 2025, and families will be notified the week of March 24, 2025. Any students who do not receive a seat via the lottery will be placed on a waitlist for that preschool location/session.
Families on the waitlist at specific preschool locations will be called and offered seats as they become available.
Please direct any questions to Nichole Townsend, preschool registrar at ntownsend@lwsd.org.
Visit the preschool program webpage for more information and to submit a lottery entry form.
February is Black History Month
Since 1976, each president of the United States has designated February as Black History Month. The origin can be traced even further back to 1915, when an organization called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), led by Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson, was formed. The ASALH dedicated its time to researching the achievements of Black Americans and other people of African descent. The goal was to inspire schools and communities across the United States to organize local celebrations, activities and lectures in an effort to teach Black history as it had never been taught before. Today, Black History Month is also celebrated in other countries around the world, including Canada (who also celebrate in February) and the UK (who celebrate in October).
For a guide on how to celebrate Black History Month in the Seattle area, please visit: www.naamnw.org.
Prepared for the global workplace
February is Career & Technical Education Month
Did you know that LWSD has approximately 20,802 student CTE registrations participating in 109 different Career & Technical Education (CTE) course options taught by 163 CTE teachers? The School Board proclaimed the month of February as Career & Technical Education month in LWSD.
National School Counseling Week was February 3-7
Last week was National School Counseling Week. Lake Washington School District’s 101 school counselors help students reach their full potential and LWSD would like to recognize these efforts. In January, the LWSD Board signed a proclamation declaring February 3-7, 2025, as National School Counseling Week. School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development. Thank you to all our counselors for this incredibly important work. Read the full proclamation here.
Reminder: Instructions for accessing elementary report cards in Skyward Family Access
Elementary report cards have now been posted to Skyward Family Access.
More information about Elementary Report Cards can be found on our Elementary Report Cards webpage.
Parents who have forgotten their login or password can use the "Forgot your Login/Password?" link on the Skyward Family Access login page.
Report cards before 2024-25 are available in Family Access but must be downloaded to view. The "eye" icon will only appear for report cards from 2024-25 and beyond.
Here are the directions for accessing your child's report card.
Reminder: Lake Washington schools open enrollment for in-district and out-of-district families: February 3-28, 2025
Lake Washington School District (LWSD) holds an open enrollment period each year for families who live in the district and want their children to attend a school other than their neighborhood school and for families who live outside the district and want to attend a school in the LWSD. Priority will be given to families who sign up during the open enrollment period. Families may apply between February 3-28 for a change to their school assignment for the 2025-26 school year. To learn more about our open enrollment period, open schools and the application process, please visit our website.
Reminder: Early Entrance to Kindergarten (EEK) applications: February 1-March 15
Applications for LWSD's Early Entrance to Kindergarten (EEK) program will open on February 1 and close on March 15, 2025. The FinalForms program will take applicants through the process and payment.
The EEK program screens students whose families believe are exceptionally qualified to enter kindergarten at an early age.
More information can be found on the LWSD EEK webpage.
Please note that student applicants must turn age 5 before November 30, 2025.
Reminder: Advanced Placement exam registration information for 2024-25 school year
LWSD is offering a LATE AP exam registration window from February 24, 12:01 a.m. - March 6, at 11:59 p.m. Students who register during the late AP registration window will incur a $50 per exam late fee in addition to the current per exam fee.
Read more information about late registration and fees associated here.
Reminder: Kindergarten registration for 2025-26 school year is open!
Register online now to ensure appropriate staffing for 2025-26 school year
If you live in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and your child will be five years old on or before August 31, 2025, it is time to register your child for kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year!
While K-12 student registration will continue throughout the school year and summer, families are highly encouraged to register students as soon as possible. Doing so helps LWSD balance class sizes and ensures adequate staff are hired in time for the new school year. It also enables our schools to build relationships with families and students before the start of the new school year.
How to register:
Registration for all K-12 LWSD students is online. All necessary documents can be accessed on the LWSD website and completed documents can be uploaded securely. Families who cannot upload documents may send them by U.S. mail or drop them off at their neighborhood school.
Visit the Kindergarten Information page of the LWSD website to learn more about the registration process.
To determine your neighborhood school, check the district school and bus finder, or call the district’s transportation office at 425-936-1120.
Building-specific “Welcome to Kindergarten” opportunities will be scheduled throughout the spring, providing caregivers with opportunities to visit the school, ask questions and register on-site if needed. Visit your neighborhood school website for more information about these upcoming events.
Reminder: World language proficiency testing
LWSD offers in-person, world language testing for high school students. These tests help students meet the "world languages" graduation requirement. They can earn up to four high school credits. They can also earn the Washington state “Seal of Biliteracy” on their transcript and diploma.
- All students in grades 8-12 can take one language test for free.
- Students can take the test at any location (see list below).
- Tests are available in any language that is both written and spoken.
See below for test dates and locations:
Test date: February 26 - 2:30 p.m. @ Juanita High School
Registration closes: February 12
Test date: March 26 - 2:30 p.m. @ Lake Washington High School
Registration closes: March 5
Register and find more information here.
Questions? Contact the Assessment Team at assessmenthelp@lwsd.org.
District announcements
LWPTSA Lunch & Learn: Special education
LWPTSA Council invites everyone to their next Lunch & Learn, as they welcome Dr. Shannon Hitch, LWSD's Executive Director of Special Services, who will discuss special education. Hear about the resources and supports available to students in our school district. Find out who is eligible to access special education services in LWSD, what to expect and how to keep your students' accommodations current.
When: Thursday, February 20, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom – Register
Lunch & Learn consists of virtual sessions held on select Thursdays during the school year, where LWPTSA shares short presentations, followed by Q&A, on topics of interest to our PTA and school community. Lunch & Learns are always free to join. Grab your lunch, log on and learn with LWPTSA!
Questions? Email LWPTSA Council Executive Vice President Bhaskar Ravikanti, at EVP@LWPTSA.net.
Transformative Parenting: Empowering Your Journey With Teens
Unlock the secrets to a happier, healthier relationship with your adolescent! Lake Washington PTSA Council presents a comprehensive event designed to provide you with the tools, knowledge and confidence to support your teens through their most challenging years.
When: Saturday, March 1, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Where: LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th St., at Redmond Town Center)
More info & RSVP: https://www.lwptsa.net/transformative-parenting/
To guide you in your transformation, LWPTSA is excited to welcome knowledgeable speakers who will help you connect with your kids and empower your parenting journey. This event is free and open to all parents and caregivers in the LWSD community. Questions? Email Danish Majeed, LWPTSA Council’s VP of Family and Community Engagement, at FACE@LWPTSA.net.
Students at Lake Washington HS and Juanita HS help create video to promote public transit
A group of students from Juanita High School and Lake Washington High School who participate in the Sustainability Ambassadors program recently made a handy video about how to ride Metro. In addition, they helped distribute ORCA cards to 260 students at their schools.
Upcoming temporary closure of Community Pool at Juanita High School
The pool will be closed from March 1, 2025-August 31, 2025
The Community Pool at Juanita High School (JHS) will be closed from March 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025 to make critical capital improvements to extend the life of the pool. Wave Aquatics, the group that manages pool operations, will provide additional communication to families and community members who regularly use the pool regarding alternatives to swim lessons/lap swims.
Reminder: Are you ready for inclement weather?
With weather forecasters predicting snow next week, we wanted to remind our community about our procedures 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. Please note: No notifications will be sent or posted if school is operating normally.
Here are a few ways to help get your family ready:
- Make sure your contact information is updated in your Skyward account so you don't miss email, phone or text alerts: lwsd.org/skyward.
- Follow Lake Washington School District on Facebook and X for news and updates.
- Sign up for text alerts through www.flashalert.net.
- Learn more about how decisions are made and communicated in case of schedule changes due to weather.
- Visit Skyward to see your family's snow bus route locations. Go to Skyward > Transportation to see your route information. Please note: It is possible that your snow route will be the same as your regular route.
Lake Washington School Foundation
Twenty years of impact. One night to celebrate!
This year, Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s (LWSF) Be the Bridge Spring Benefit is more than just LWSF’s biggest fundraiser–it’s a milestone celebration marking 20 years of making a difference for students in Lake Washington School District!
When: Thursday, March 27, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Seattle Marriott Redmond
Register now to join community leaders, educators and supporters for an inspiring evening of reflection, connection and generosity.
Social emotional learning for parents workshops are back
Are you a parent and caregiver looking to deepen family connections, improve communication and tackle parenting challenges with patience and calm? Join LWSF at their in-person or virtual workshops starting February and March! Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!
Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/sel-for-parents.
The Lost Art of Civility: Raising Respectful Kids | ParentEd Talk
Ready to shape a kinder, more respectful world? It all begins with how we parent. Join celebrated authors Sam Goldstein and Robert B. Brooks to discover practical strategies to raise empathetic, respectful kids who can engage in constructive dialogue and handle social challenges with integrity
When: Tuesday, February 25, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Online webinar
Sign up here for this live Q&A-style webinar series for free. You'll also gain access to the event recording, so you can watch it anytime, anywhere.
Student & Staff Success
All-district flag football event
In November 2024, the KingCo Conference launched its inaugural Girls’ Flag Football season. All four comprehensive Lake Washington School District (LWSD) high schools are full participants in the league schedule. On January 22. Juanita High School and Lake Washington High School hosted Eastlake High School and Redmond High School in an all-district event which showcased not only the talent of our student-athletes, but also the passion for and the growth of girls’ flag football. LWSD is the primary sponsor of an amendment to add girls’ flag football as an official WIAA recognized sport for the 2025-2026 school year.
Celebrating Al Veillette, a champion of youth mentorship
Meet this year’s Brad Owen’s Excellence in Mentoring Award recipient, a longtime volunteer with the LINKS Lunch Buddy Program.
Whoever said one person can’t make a difference has never met Al Veillette, the esteemed recipient of this year’s Brad Owen’s Excellence in Mentoring Award.
Presented by Mentor Washington, this award honors everyday heroes who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and resources to positively impact the lives of young individuals. Al’s exceptional and longstanding commitment to mentoring students through LWSD’s LINKS Lunch Buddy Program exemplifies the spirit of the award.
Partially funded by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, the LINKS Lunch Buddy Program connects students from the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) with caring adult mentors. This year, 195 students were matched with mentors who volunteer to spend quality time with the students weekly during their lunch periods.