Connections - June 5, 2025

Results from Smarter Balanced Assessments will be available online on June 24

Each spring, Washington public school students in third through eighth grades and 10th grade are tested in English language arts (ELA) and math, with exams called Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Students in fifth grade, eighth grade and 11th grade are also tested in science, with an exam called the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). This testing meets state and federal requirements.

Individual scores for the SBA exams administered this past spring for ELA and math are being delivered electronically from the testing vendor. Scores (level and scale score) will be added to Skyward Family Access on June 24. Full-page PDF reports with more scoring details will be available from OSPI in the fall, and these will be shared with families at that time.

Only SBA ELA and math scores will be available in June. Science scores will not be available until the fall after OSPI releases those scores.

Directions to access SBA test scores beginning on June 24:

• Log in to Skyward Family Access with your username and password.*
• Click on the Test Results tile.

*For help accessing Skyward Family Access, click on the link to go to the Skyward Family Access Support page on the district website: https://www.lwsd.org/help/skyward-family-access.

2025 end-of-year technology reminders for students and families

Laptops

• Current students in 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades should plan to take their laptop home for use over the summer.
• 8th and 12th grade students turn in your laptops at the designated time determined by the school (unless you will be participating in Summer School).
• Incoming 6th and 9th graders will be issued brand new laptops at the start of school in September. Look for information in August for laptop rollout dates from your school.

Seniors

• Make plans to copy and save any digital files you want to keep after graduation to a personal device/account prior to your last day of school. You will not have access to your district email or files after the last day of school.

Password information

• Secondary Student passwords will expire every 90 days (including during summertime) based on the district security cycle. Please take steps to remember your password or sign up for self-service password reset now. This includes current 5th grade students who will be moving up to 6th grade Middle School. Secondary Student Passwords will not be reset for the start of school 2025-26.
• Elementary student passwords will be reset for the new school year in August.
• Password guidelines can be found on the district website here: Technology Services - Lake Washington School District.

Summer school

• If you will be participating in Summer School keep your laptop over summer. For those in elementary school, check out a laptop from the school library.
• Information about Summer School can be found here: Summer Programs - Lake Washington School District.

Summer access to digital resources

• Access to digital resources over the summer months varies depending on the vendor and application. Students can continue to use Classlink to access resources during summer; however, some applications may not be available due to provisioning requirements for the next school year.

Summer technology help

• Contact Family Technology Access for school related technology questions at ftaccess@lwsd.org or by phone at 425-936-1322.

Head Start preschool in Lake Washington School District

Lake Washington School District offers Head Start preschool for income-eligible families at Bell Elementary and Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Head Start preschool is a federally funded service for children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families that supports early learning, health, nutrition and family well-being. Head Start preschool includes a 3.5-hour developmentally appropriate preschool with trained staff, two nutritional meals, health and developmental screenings, wrap-around family support services and transportation at no cost to eligible families.

Head Start preschool hours (2025-26)

AM class: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or
PM class: 12:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Head Start locations: A.G. Bell (for Kirkland residents) and Old Redmond Schoolhouse (for Redmond residents)

To apply for Head Start preschool, parents/guardians must:

1. Complete an application: 
   (English) preschool application | instructions 
   (Spanish) aplicación de preescolar | instrucciones
2. Provide verification of income as indicated on the application.
3. Make sure the child is up-to-date on required immunizations.

Questions? Call the Head Start office at 425-936-1170, option 2.

Recycling 101 and Career Showcase presentation at Resource Center June 12

Join WM for a Recycling 101 and Career Showcase presentation on June 12, 2025, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)! WM's Education and Outreach Coordinator, Grace Fletcher, will share all about reducing waste, how to Recycle Right® and careers in sustainability at WM. WM will also provide helpful guidance on incorporating more sustainable waste programs in your school. Please join us! Link to sign up.

Thank you for supporting AP testing across LWSD

As this year's Advanced Placement testing season comes to a close, the Accelerated Programs Department wants to express our deep appreciation to the entire Lake Washington School District community. From students and families to staff across schools, your collective effort and support made this a meaningful and successful experience.

We are proud to share that nearly 12,000 AP exams were administered this May – a number that reflects both the high level of student participation and the depth of our community's commitment to academic opportunity.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Our students, who demonstrated focus, resilience and perseverance throughout the exams.
• Our families, whose encouragement, flexibility and behind-the-scenes support made a tremendous impact.
• Our AP Coordinators, teachers and proctors, who prepared students and ensured a smooth and professional testing experience.
• Our Technology Specialists and school staff, who provided critical infrastructure and guidance.
• Our school teams and administrators, who welcomed students and responded to challenges with the focus of creating calm and supportive testing environments.

This time is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we work together in support of students. We are so proud of their effort, and we are so grateful for yours.

– The Accelerated Programs Department

LWSD student receives National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced today that a Lake Washington School District (LWSD) student will receive National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship:

• Zachary Lee McKay, Lake Washington High School - National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship

Read more about this on the LWSD website. 

Reminder: Canvas to be rolled out as learning management system for 2025-26 school year

This school year, Inglewood Middle School and Lake Washington High School used Canvas as their learning management system (LMS). Their success has paved the way for LWSD’s full adoption of Canvas as the official LMS for all secondary schools starting with the 2025-26 school year. Canvas is funded by the 2022 Technology and Capital Projects Levy.

If you are a family member who supports a student in grades 6-12, here are a few things to know about Canvas at LWSD:

• Anyone who supports a student in Canvas is called an “Observer."
• Only secondary (grades 6-12) students and staff will be using Canvas.
• All Observer accounts will be created automatically and paired with their student(s) using Primary Contact Email in Skyward. So, please validate that LWSD has your correct information before the start of the 25/26 school year.
• Check out the Canvas for families page on our district website for the most up-to-date information and resources related to supporting your students via Canvas.

Reminder: Important Update: Changes to outside-of-district credit policy

After careful consideration and input from stakeholders, we have updated the guidelines for how outside-of-district (OOD) credits will be recorded on student transcripts. This policy update brings our practices in alignment with those of other school districts in our region, while staying true to the policy's intent: to allow students to pursue enrichment opportunities outside our district that may not be offered in our schools. By maintaining a balance between flexibility and transcript integrity, we aim to provide meaningful avenues for student growth while respecting the academic framework of our district. 

• Seven outside credits on transcript: High School students are allowed to earn up to seven credits from outside-of-district courses beginning the summer before entering the 9th grade. This provides greater flexibility for students to explore enrichment opportunities. Students submitting the Appendix C form, must be enrolled in six courses at their high school with the exception of seniors who have an early dismissal or late arrival.   
• Credit limits for grade improvement: Out of the seven outside credits, a maximum of three credits can be used to improve grades in courses taken previously. These courses will be awarded both a grade and credit. 
• Courses taken for initial credit: Any initial coursework will be recorded as "P" (Pass) and will only show credit, not a grade, to maintain the integrity of the student's academic record. Students can send the outside transcript as a separate document in college applications.  

*Please note: The district does not verify whether outside courses meet specific college or NCAA requirements or qualify for scholarships. Parents and students are responsible for ensuring courses meet their needs. 

Implementation:  

• Class of 2025 and 2026 (current seniors and rising seniors) will follow the previous policy and procedures of the district. Any approved initial coursework may be posted for credit on the transcript with a letter grade.  
• Class of 2027 and beyond will follow the updated policy and procedure of the LWSD. Any approved initial coursework may be posted for credit on the transcript without a grade.   

You can find more information about these opportunities here: More Ways to Graduation - Lake Washington School District.

Student health plans, medications and immunization records

Lake Washington School District is committed to the health and wellness of our students. Each school has a registered nurse available to provide a range of services. At the beginning of each school year, nurses collect student health information to plan for needs during the school day. As we plan for the 2025-26 school year, we want to remind everyone of a couple important health-related items.

Individual Health Plans & Medication Authorizations

If your student has a life-threatening health condition, the following requirements must be met before your student can attend school. You must supply:

• The required emergency medication to the school,
• Health care provider orders,
• An individual health plan, and
• Any necessary supplies on or before the first day of school.

These documents should be submitted directly to the School Nurse and NOT through FinalForms. Until these requirements are met, your student will not be able to attend school.

For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services. 

Immunizations

Immunization records must be turned into the school on or before the first day of attendance. Your student cannot attend school until you provide these records.

Tdap: For the 2025-26 school year, all students attending grades 7th through 12th must have received one booster dose of Tdap vaccine on or after age 10.

Medically Verified Records: Medically verified records include one or more of the following:

• A completed Certificate of Immunization Status Form signed by a health care provider. Find the CIS form by visiting https://www.doh.wa.gov/SCCI and clicking on “Certificate of Immunization Status.”
• A CIS filled out by you or another parent/guardian with medical records attached.
• A CIS printed by a health care provider or school from the Washington State Immunization Information System.
• A CIS printed from MyIR which is a free Department of Health online tool that allows families to view and print their official immunization records themselves. Go to https://myirmobile.com/ to begin the sign-up process.

LWSD is utilizing the Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS) School Module which requires parent consent for nurses to upload immunization records. Please sign the WAIIS consent form in Skyward Family Access to allow the School Nurse to manage your student’s immunization records.

For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services. 

Questions about immunizations? Please contact your School Nurse.

Sports Physicals Required for Middle School/High School Sports Participation

As a reminder, sports physicals are required for participation in middle school and high school sports. High School sports seasons start in August, so it is important to have your paperwork on file in the school office prior to the start of the sports season. Health Care Provider offices in our area are expecting more appointment requests for physicals in August, so it is a good idea to schedule your appointment early. For middle school students, sports begin in September. Families will receive messaging from FinalForms with reminders about the required forms to complete.

For more information, visit: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/athletics.

Please join us! Lake Washington School District to host inaugural Wellness Fair

June 14 community event will celebrate wellbeing

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) invites staff, families and the broader community to its inaugural Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the L.E. Scarr Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052).

This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the LWSD Workforce Mental Health Workgroup and celebrates wellness in all forms – mind, body and spirit.

Attendees will enjoy a rich lineup of wellness experiences – like yoga, sound baths, Zumba, art therapy and a build-your-own succulent bar. Interactive booths, a curated wellness book nook by Brick & Mortar Books and expert-led panels round out the day’s offerings.

Families can enjoy face painting and interactive wellness games, all set to the sounds of LWSD student ensembles performing live throughout the day. Meet adoptable dogs from The Haus of Dogs and discover the healing joy of pet companionship. There will also be a Q&A session with a professional dog trainer, Joshua from Heel and Heal K-9, offering insights on pet care, training tips and the benefits of pet companionship.

Local food trucks, including Nacho Rio, will be on site serving up delicious bites.

"Our aim is to create a space that restores, uplifts and connects,” said Dr. Joy Ross, Co-Chair of the Workforce Mental Health Workgroup. "Whether it’s mindfulness or movement, adoptable dogs or rich conversations that support our mental health journeys, this event is about embracing the fullness of wellbeing and reminding ourselves that joy, healing and wholeness are within reach."

For more information or to reserve a booth, contact Dr. Joy Ross at joross@lwsd.org. We look forward to celebrating wellness with you!

SUN Bucks program returns to provide summer food support for Washington children

This summer, up to 620,000 Washington children will receive SUN Bucks – funds to help buy food when school is not in session – through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program.

The SUN Bucks benefits, a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child in each household, will be deposited onto existing SUN Bucks cards starting the first week of June and mailed to newly eligible children beginning in mid-June.

Some children will get SUN Bucks automatically and others must apply. Students can auto-qualify if they either:

1. Are age 8 – 18 and are a member of a household that receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
2. Attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and is directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals or meets income requirements reported through a Child Nutrition and Eligibility and Education Benefit Application.

Parents or guardians of students who do not qualify automatically can apply by submitting a SUN Bucks application. To qualify for SUN Bucks by application, these students must both:

1. Be enrolled at a school that participates in the NSLP or SBP.
2. Live in a household that meets NSLP income eligibility guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

The SUN Bucks application is online in English and Spanish. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 29, 2025.

SUN Bucks benefits are in addition to other summer child nutrition programs already offered. Families can continue participating in group-site and grab-n-go meals as well as other summer food programs at their local schools and community locations, even if they receive Summer EBT benefits.

Learn more: Washington SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program | DSHS.

Lake Washington School District Board of Directors names new President, Vice President and Legislative Representative

The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors named a new President, Vice President and Legislative Representative during their regular board meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025.

• Lisa Guthrie (Director, District Two) will now serve as the Board President, replacing Leah Choi who has been the President for the past two years.
• Eric Laliberte (Director, District One) will now serve as the Board Vice President, replacing Lisa Guthrie who has been the Vice President for the past year.
• Lindsey Yocum (Director, District Five) will continue serving as the Legislative Representative.

Board reorganization occurs once per year at a School Board Meeting in June.

Reminder: Nexus: Mental Health Hub

Lake Washington School District is excited to announce the official launch of Nexus, a mental health platform for students. Created by Inglemoor High School student, Taanvi Arekapudi, Nexus offers a 360° view of mental health support including online self-help resources, available 24/7, and regularly scheduled in-person events.

You can access Nexus by visiting the District’s Student Services webpage, or directly at https://lwsd.nexusforschools.com/. English and Spanish mental health resources are currently available with more languages coming soon.

A handy student-focused app is coming soon. Lake Washington School District is grateful to Taanvi for all her efforts to improve students’ mental health by providing easy, coordinated resource access.

Building friendships, fostering a love of reading

This year, Battle of the Books united hundreds of LWSD middle schoolers through reading, teamwork and friendship. See photos from the district championship and hear what our school librarians have to say: https://www.lwsf.org/news/building-friendships-fostering-a-love-of-reading.

Summer College Bootcamp for rising seniors | Find Your Fit

Rising seniors & parents: Summer is the perfect time to start your college journey!

Find Your Fit is offering a Summer College Bootcamp for rising seniors (Class of 2026) at the end of June. Learn how to build a balanced college list, complete your Common Application and write standout essays. Details and registration at https://www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit.

Community Open House: Emerson Campus Rebuild & Enlarge

On Wednesday, June 4, Lake Washington School District and the City of Kirkland held a joint community open house to share information about the Emerson Campus Rebuild & Enlarge project. Held at Fire Station 22 in Kirkland, this was an opportunity for the community to learn more about the school design, project schedule and to meet members of the project team.

The Rebuild & Enlarge of Emerson Campus is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy (thank you, voters!) and is designed to increase high school capacity on the west side of the district.

Construction will begin in spring 2026. This project creates space for up to 166 additional students. The project to rebuild and enlarge Emerson Campus will provide modern, state-of-the-art learning environments for our students and educators. The new building will open in fall 2027.

Learn more about the Rebuild & Enlarge Emerson Campus project here: https://www.lwsd.org/services/facilities/construction/building-excellence-construction-levy/rebuild-and-enlarge-emerson-campus.

Good neighbor meetings: Eastlake High School & Redmond High School additions

Eastlake High School

On Wednesday, May 14 community members gathered in the Eastlake High School commons to learn more about the school addition design, construction schedule and meet members of the project team. 

The Eastlake High School addition is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy. 

This project creates space for up to 300 additional students. The Eastlake High School addition will include 12 classrooms and support spaces in the north wing of the building that will open in Fall 2026. Construction will begin this summer. One temporary portable will be added to the site to house the library for one year. 

See the project boards and learn more about the addition at Eastlake High School here: https://www.lwsd.org/services/facilities/construction/building-excellence-construction-levy/eastlake-high-school-addition.

Redmond High School

On Wednesday, April 30 community members gathered at Redmond High School to learn more about the school addition design, construction schedule and meet members of the project team.

The Redmond High School addition is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy.

This project creates space for up to 300 additional students. The Redmond High School addition will include 10 classrooms and support spaces in a new two-story renovation of the administration wing that will open in Fall 2026. Seven portables will be added to the site to house administrative staff, counselors and music for one year.

See the project boards and learn more about the addition at Redmond High School here: https://www.lwsd.org/services/facilities/construction/building-excellence-construction-levy/redmond-high-school-addition.

Lake Washington HS wins 4A state baseball title, Eastlake takes 2nd place

Congratulations to Lake Washington High School (LWHS) for winning the 4A state baseball championship! The Kangs beat Eastlake High School (EHS) in the final game, so it was an all Lake Washington School District matchup. When it was all said and done, the LWHS Kangs won the game 15-5. This is the first state baseball championship for LWHS since they won it in the 3A classification in 2019. Congrats to both schools for an incredible year in baseball!

Focused on health – LWSD students perform well at state youth science contest

Eight students from Tesla STEM High School and Eastlake High School competed against students from all over the state in a science contest, and they did quite well. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) hosted the fourth annual Washington Tracking Network (WTN) Youth Science Contest. One student from Tesla STEM High School took first place in her division while three other LWSD teams finished in the top three. Students submit their work in February and March, a panel of public health professionals judges the projects in April and May, and the winners are announced later in May.

Read more about this on the LWSD website.

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