Connections - October 9, 2025

Update: Advanced Placement exam registration window extended to October 20

Registration and payment is open September 29, 2025, 12:01 a.m. until October 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. for Advanced Placement exams! It was originally scheduled to close on October 17, but that is a LEAP day.

We encourage all students who want to take May 2026 AP exams to complete the registration on time and pay for their exams during this period.

Exam information, exam dates, costs, late registration windows/fees, and cancellation fees can all be found on our UPDATED​ LWSD Advanced Placement webpage.

*Please note* Exam registration and exam payment are separate required processes. 

1. Students register for exam(s) via AP Central. AP teachers and the school’s AP coordinator will have the codes that students will use to register for each exam.
2. Students pay via Online Payments or directly to the school bookkeeper. Students can pay for their exam(s) from now until October 20. 

An AP Late Registration window will be offered in February. Students who register during this late window will pay an additional $50 per exam late fee in addition to the regular exam fee. 

Private and homeschool students will request and register through Juanita High School's website and pay fees in-person to the bookkeeping office at JHS.

Questions? Please contact your AP teacher and/or school’s Advanced Placement Coordinator: 

Eastlake High School
Cheryl Kenyon - ckenyon@lwsd.org
Russell Berrett - rberrett@lwsd.org

International Community School
Meggan Houlihan - mhoulihan@lwsd.org

Juanita High School
Breck Ivy - bivy@lwsd.org

Lake Washington High School
Joe Joss - jjoss@lwsd.org

Redmond High School
Kasey Dauenhauer - kdauenhauer@lwsd.org

Tesla STEM High School
Heidi Cooperrider - hcooperrider@lwsd.org

WANIC Skills Center
Jana Robertson - jrobertson@lwsd.org

Choice School application process opens November 1 at 8 a.m. - Information nights start soon

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 will open on November 1, 2025, at 8 a.m. via ParentSquare. Additional information about the application will be sent out soon. Schools will be hosting information nights soon. Please visit the Choice Schools webpage for details: https://www.lwsd.org/schools/choice-schools.

Elementary ELA curriculum pilot resources available to review

The Reading Advisory Committee has conducted a thorough evaluation of available K–5 ELA curricular resources, guided by years of calibration and shared learning, and grounded in research-based literacy practices, the ELA Common Core State Standards, and effective instructional strategies.

As a result of this process, the committee has selected two curricula to pilot from mid-September 2025 through late March 2026. These selections were made through a consensus process informed by rubric data, identified needs from The Reading League and advisory-generated criteria. The two curricula chosen for the pilot are:

• Benchmark Advance/Adelante
• McGraw Hill Emerge!/McGraw Hill Dual Literacy

Teachers participating in the pilot will send communications to families prior to implementation.

During the pilot, the committee will evaluate how each curriculum functions in daily classroom settings for both teachers and students. The review will focus on alignment with standards, evidence-based practices, and inclusive instructional approaches. In addition, the committee will collect student performance data and gather feedback from students, teachers, caregivers, and the broader community.

Community, family and parent feedback is a vital part of this process, and we welcome your input. Starting September 22, 2025, digital access to both curricula will be available, along with physical samples at the LWSD Resource Center. You can explore the materials and submit feedback via the following link:

• Feedback survey linked here 
• Digital Access for Benchmark Advance click here (Username: lwsd_teacher, Password: password)
• Digital Access for McGraw Hill Emerge! click here (Username: ELALakewash1, Password: Lakewash1)

Survey responses are anonymous and will help guide the Reading Advisory’s final recommendation to the Lake Washington School Board in spring 2026.

We will offer an information session for the public on December 18, 2025, to share about the selection process and the curricula under consideration. If interested in attending, please stay tuned for the date and time that will be offered.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Kelly Moses Pease, Director of K–5 Teaching and Learning, or Whitney Blackstone, Elementary Literacy Specialist.

Wear orange! Unity Day is on October 22

October 22 is Unity Day this year. Several schools and district buildings throughout LWSD will participate in events to come together against bullying, be united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Remember to wear orange on October 22!

Reminder: World language proficiency testing

LWSD offers in-person, world language proficiency testing for students in grades 8-12. These tests help students meet the “World Languages” graduation requirement. Students can earn up to four (4) high school credits. If they earn four credits, they are also eligible to earn the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript and diploma.

See below for test dates and locations. Students can take the test at any location.

* Testing has a capacity of 200 students. Registration will close early if we reach capacity ahead of schedule.

You can register and find more information here. Questions? Contact the Assessment Team at AssessmentHelp@lwsd.org.

Reminder: ENAEP Indigenous Peoples Day event October 13

Come celebrate the beauty of Indigenous people with the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP)! The event will have traditional drumming, dancing, singing and presentations from the students as well as families.

Event details:

• October 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Lake Washington High School Commons

 This event is open to everyone! Click here to see this year’s ENAEP brochure. 

Reminder: ENAEP Honoring Our Youth Powwow October 25

Come join in the Native community and the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) in honoring our youth! We are hosting a powwow to recognize our amazing youth. There will be vendors, concessions, dancing, powwow drumming, a raffle and more!

Event details:

• Families are invited to a private event at 3 p.m. in the Juanita High School Commons area.
• Powwow grand entry at 6 p.m. at Juanita High School gymnasium.

WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon

The WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon is a one-day event that we host in conjunction with the Congressional App Challenge. It is an opportunity for middle and high school students to work on applications that they may then submit to the Congressional App Challenge. Students can come with apps in beginning stages, or those that just need a final touch! At the App-A-Thon, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts about coding, technology and what is needed to build an app from start to finish. We will have mentors from the local technology community to assist in answering questions and solving problems. At the end of the day of the App-A-Thon, teams present their application to a judging panel to be considered for prizes.
 
After the App-A-Thon, teams are encouraged to submit their apps to the Congressional App Challenge. The winner of the App-A-Thon will not necessarily be the winner of the Congressional App Challenge, and vice versa. The App-A-Thon is an event to encourage participation into the Challenge.
 
The App-A-Thon will take place on October 11 at UW Bothell from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (final times TBA). Students can register for the App-A-Thon here. 

National Custodian Day

October 2 was National Custodian Day. Custodians are an important part of the team working behind the scenes to keep our buildings clean and safe. Thank you to our custodial staff for all the important work they do for our students and staff. 

Great Washington ShakeOut is October 16 at 10:16 a.m

Nearly 1,000,000 people around our state will practice how to drop, cover and hold during the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 16 at 10:16 a.m. Learn more here: https://www.shakeout.org/washington/index.html.

Reminder: LWSD partners with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu & COVID shot clinics in October

LWSD partners with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu & COVID shot clinics in October LWSD is partnering with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to offer flu and COVID vaccine clinics throughout October. The exact products available will be the Flucelvax Trivalent Preservative-Free Flu Vaccine and the newly updated 2025 Moderna Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), which protects against the LP.8.1 strain of the virus. Flu shots can be provided to those ages 4+, but patients must be at least 5 years old for COVID vaccines. Flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the following five locations:

• Wednesday, October 15, 2-7 p.m. at Inglewood M.S. (24120 NE 8th St. Sammamish)
• Friday, October 17, 1-5 p.m. at LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th ST, Redmond) 
• Monday, October 20, 2-7 p.m. at Rose Hill M.S. (13505 N.E. 75th ST., Redmond)
• Friday, October 24, 2:30-7 p.m. at Kamiakin M.S. (14111 132nd Ave N.E., Kirkland)
• Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Redmond H.S. (17272 NE 104th St, Redmond)

Register here: https://schedule.seattlevna.com/home/b2e67bfb-a83a-ed11-9db1-6045bd0054d4.

Important information:

• Each patient needs their own individual appointment registration, in their legal name, completed with their individual information. For records reporting purposes, please ensure the accuracy of your demographic information, including your name and date of birth.
• For example, a family of four will need four separate appointments. If you are unable to schedule all family members in the same time slot, please register the remaining members in the closest available time slot. You may all still come to the clinic at the same time.
• Please have your confirmation code ready. The confirmation code will be included in your confirmation text message and email.
• As of September 4, 2025, Washington State has signed a public health order which allows all Washington residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of health conditions, and expands vaccine access beyond current FDA/CDC recommendations. The Washington State Department of Health recommends COVID vaccinations this season for everyone age 6 months and older. 
• If you have an approved insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid, you must provide this information during registration, and we will bill your insurance. You will not be charged a co-pay or deductible. 
• Patients without an active, accepted insurance plan may pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. Cash rates for the 2025 season are $55 per flu shot and $200 per COVID-19 immunization.

Questions? Email info@seattlevna.com.

First annual Juanita Unified 5K

Get ready to lace up your running (or walking!) shoes – our first annual Juanita Unified 5K is coming up soon! This is more than just a race – it’s a chance to come together as a school community, show our support for inclusion and have some fun along the way.
 
Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or a cheerleader on the sidelines, we’d love to have you be part of this special event. Staff, students, families and community members are all invited to participate!

• Event date: Saturday October 11
• Location: Juanita High School
• Who can join: Everyone – staff, students, families and friends!
• For more info: Juanita Unified 5K - Heroes Run Here.

LWSD students need your help!

This year, LWSF’s All in for Kids campaign is focused on raising vital funds for Pantry Packs – an LWSF program that purchases, packs and distributes more than 36,000 weekend food packs to meet the needs of a growing number of LWSD students facing hunger.​ Together, we can ensure no student goes hungry.

Donate today to make a lasting impact: www.lwsf.org/all-in-for-kids.

Kennedy and Yuwan show us what's possible

LWSF strives to remove barriers by providing scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors at the Students of Color Conference – an empowering event designed for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) high school students in Lake Washington School District (LWSD).​ Learn about two recent winners, Kennedy Roberts and Yuwan Luo.

Read their stories here.

Social Emotional Learning isn't just for kids!

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 Social Emotional Learning for Parents workshop starting October 16! 

Details and registration: www.lwsf.org/our-work/sel-for-parents.

Free college planning events from local college counselor Mary Pat O'Neil

LWSF’s Find Your Fit Program is offering free events to support high school families as they navigate the college planning and application process:

• October 11 & November 9: Get Personalized Feedback on your College Essay
• October 20: Money Matters: A Parent's Guide
• November 5: Standardized Testing Update for High School Families
• And more to be added soon!

For more details and to register, visit www.lwsf.org/our-work/find-your-fit. 

ParentEd Talks: Free parent education webinars for families

LWSF is pleased to offer another year of ParentEd Talks through ParentMap, for free, to the entire LWSD community.

Featuring renowned parenting experts, these virtual webinars will dive into essential topics such as building resilience, navigating screen time, fostering independence and youth mental health. 

For details and registration, visit www.lwsf.org/ParentEd-Talks.

Juanita High School Aquatics Center receives third Parks Levy Grant from King County Council

The King County Council announced that the Juanita High School Aquatics Center was one of 56 projects selected for the 2025 Parks Levy Grant. The Juanita High School Aquatics Renovation, Phase 3 project will receive $2 million from King County Parks.

The district must provide at least 50% of the total project cost to qualify for this grant. The district’s share will be funded by the voter-approved 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy. We anticipate Phase 3 work will begin in Summer 2026.

In February 2022, the District received the first award for Juanita High School Aquatics Renovations, Phase 1 project. This initial $1.8 million grant provided partial funding for initial life-cycle upgrades which included replacement of HVAC and pool equipment that were beyond its useful life, provided ADA upgrades, and replaced the roofing system. Phase 1 work began in Spring 2023 and will be completed soon. 

In September 2023, LWSD received its second award for Juanita High School Aquatics Renovations, Phase 2 project. This $2 million grant provided partial funding for life-cycle upgrades at the Juanita High School Pool by replacing pool equipment that is beyond its useful life, providing ADA upgrades, upgrading pool viewing area, upgrading pool deck surface, and replacing the building controls and pool lighting.

In total, the work of Lake Washington School District’s Capital Projects team in applying for these grants has offset $5.8 million of costs on the project to renovate the Juanita Aquatics Center.

The Aquatic Facilities grant program, funded by the King County voter-approved 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy, helps communities preserve and increase public access to public pools as our region grows and existing facilities become obsolete or reach capacity. This grant program funds activities related to the renovation or expansion of existing facilities or construction of new aquatic facilities in King County. 

This project is one of 56 Parks Levy Grants this year, totaling over $31 million in new awards. 

Lake Washington School District's Excellence in Action video series is back!

LWSD appreciates the hard work and dedication that each of its staff members puts in each day. That’s why Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen is excited to give our staff the opportunity to be recognized with the Excellence in Action video series. One staff member will be chosen each month to feature in a video that showcases the work that they do. This year, we are adding a student component that will debut later this month.

The first staff member we are highlighting this school year is Belia Lopez, custodian at the LWSD Resource Center. Belia’s daily work shows how the “Future Ready Mindsets” can be realized in our daily work. Her perseverance keeps our spaces welcoming and cared for, and her adaptability helps her meet the changing needs of a busy central office. Congrats to Belia!

You can view the video on the LWSD website. 

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