Connections - November 6, 2025
Celebrating Veterans Day in LWSD
All schools and district offices are closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Lake Washington School District wants to take this opportunity to thank all veterans for their service and dedication to our country. This week throughout the district, and next week, many schools are holding assemblies, giving presentations and hearing stories from veterans. Visit our Facebook page to see images of veterans being honored in our district.
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
High school schedule update
On Wednesday, November 5, LWSD Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen announced an important high school schedule update. Here are the highlights of that message:
- Schools will develop their own schedule for the 2026-27 school year.
- Schools will be able to consider small adjustments to the schedule for 2nd semester this year.
- Our commitment is to continue focusing on excellence for our students.
“As we’ve evaluated our progress, we believe our collective energy is best focused on strengthening teaching, learning and the overall student experience rather than continuing to pursue a single, district-wide schedule,” said Dr. Holmen. “While the idea of a common schedule had merit, it is not our highest-leverage strategy for helping every student graduate prepared for their future.”
“My hope is that this change demonstrates our commitment to listening, learning and adapting based on what best serves students.”
Reminder: Choice School application process is now open - Information nights have begun
Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.
Applications for Choice Schools and programs are now open through December 1 and were sent to families via ParentSquare. Schools are now hosting information nights. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details.
Reminder: Help shape LWSD Secondary Curriculum: Math pilot feedback and science committee opportunity
Secondary math curriculum adoption pilot materials available to review
The Secondary Math Materials Adoption Committee has reached consensus in choosing two sets of materials for courses from 6th grade through Algebra 2. A select group of teachers will be involved with the pilot from September through January. Throughout the pilot period, teachers will consider how the different programs operate in a daily classroom environment to support all students to reach their full potential. The committee will gather targeted feedback from all teachers and students involved in this process.
Community feedback is essential in this process, and we welcome your input. Please access information about both programs and the survey link here.
Print samples are available in the lobby of the Resource Center. The survey closes January 16.
The committee is scheduled to make a recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board this Spring. For more information about the Math Materials Adoption process: Curriculum Review & Adoption - Lake Washington School District.
Secondary Science Instructional Materials Adoption Committee seeking community participants
Over the next two years, the LWSD Teaching and Learning Department will engage in the district curriculum adoption process and make a recommendation to the school board for new instructional materials for High School Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This committee will be made up of teachers, community members, school administrators and district support staff. This year the committee will meet approximately four times in person during the school day. Committee members engage in learning about current research, standards and effective instructional practices and then apply that learning in evaluating resources for potential adoption.
Meeting dates for the 25-26 school year are November 20, January 13, March 10 and May 27. We will meet from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and lunch will be provided.
We are seeking community members with varied perspectives to join this committee. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this community recruitment form by end of day, October 31, 2025.
District announcements
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 Schools Foundation
Help local kids thrive through Pantry Packs
While state and federal supports are increasingly uncertain, Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) remains steadfast in working to serve as a reliable resource for the community. Through LWSF’s Pantry Packs program, LWSF provides weekend food packs to food-insecure students across Lake Washington School District – ensuring that no child has to worry about their next meal.
You can make a difference by contributing to LWSF’s Fall Food Drive by donating directly to their Amazon Wish List or delivering your food donations in person to the LWSF warehouse on selected dates. Visit the LWSF website for details.
Not sure what to give? Check out the kid-friendly food list for the most needed items. Every can, box, and pouch you donate helps ensure that students return to school on Mondays nourished and ready to learn.
Donate today to make a lasting impact: www.lwsf.org/all-in-for-kids.
Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI | ParentEd Talk
What will learning look like in five years — or even next fall?
As AI rapidly transforms education, families are left wondering what the future holds for their kids. On November 18 at noon, join Khan Academy founder Sal Khan to learn how to safely harness AI as a tool for learning, while keeping kids’ creativity and curiosity alive. Sign up for the live Q&A webinar for FREE! You'll also gain access to the event recording so you can watch it anytime, anywhere. Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/ParentEd-Talks.
Getting It Together: Executive Function for Today's Teens
Join Find Your Fit’s Mary Pat O’Neil and Frances Carhart M.Ed., a seasoned educator and college counselor, for a conversation about helping teens develop their executive function skills and why it’s important. They will share practical strategies and resources for parents.
- When: Tuesday, November 18 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
- Where: Zoom webinar
- Cost: Free. A small donation to support the work of Lake Washington Schools Foundation is greatly appreciated.
- Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit.
Building Excellence
Update on the addition at Redmond High School
Earlier this week, staff, students and families at Redmond High School (RHS) were notified of an important update regarding the planned addition at their school. Due to extended design and city permitting timelines, we will be unable to meet our original project schedule.
The revised construction timeline is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2027, with some areas able to be occupied as soon as they are available. We now anticipate the addition will open fully in Fall 2027. Opening in Fall 2027 will help to minimize disruption to school operations in the spring and provide flexibility for any further delays.
As a reminder, the addition at RHS is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy. You can view additional information about this project at: Redmond High School addition - Lake Washington School District.
Walls up and away we go! Progress continues on project to Rebuild & Enlarge Rockwell Elementary
The November 2025 Construction Update from the Rebuild & Enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary shares that the new school is taking shape - with exterior and interior walls being installed. These engineered wall panels were designed with building information modeling in 3D and are shipped to the school custom-made and ready to install. This improves safety, efficiency and quality. Lydig crews set and secure each panel and make every connection to build the new classrooms. The joists and floor trusses that connect between the top of the walls makes a sturdy platform for the second story of Rockwell Elementary.
Check out the latest project update here.
The rebuild and enlarge project at Rockwell Elementary is funded by the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy. You can view additional information about this project at: Rebuild and Enlarge Rockwell Elementary - Lake Washington School District.
Student & Staff Success
A Day to remember: How the LWSD grounds crew creates an exceptional experience for a student
Last school year at Redmond Elementary, a simple visit from the grounds crew turned into an unforgettable adventure for one curious first grader named Arijit. From the moment the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) grounds crew arrived, Arijit was captivated. Not just by the rumble of machinery and the whir of tools, but by the possibility of learning how everything worked.
Arijit’s fascination with all things mechanical was obvious. He watched the crew intently, his eyes wide with wonder, determined to meet the team and discover the secrets behind their equipment. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon he was asking questions, eager to understand every detail. The crew didn’t just tolerate his curiosity, they embraced it. They answered every question with patience and kindness, turning a routine workday into a moment of mentorship and inspiration.
Jenai Sheffels honored with the 2025 Dee Simon Teacher of Excellence Award
The Holocaust Center for Humanity was proud to announce Jenai Sheffels, teacher at Tesla STEM High School, as the 2025 Dee Simon Teacher of Excellence Award recipient. This annual award recognizes educators who inspire students to think critically, act with compassion and take responsibility for building a more just and humane world. Sheffels was presented with the award during the Holocaust Center’s annual Voices for Humanity Luncheon on Friday, October 24.