Connections - September 12, 2025

Lake Washington School District launches Strategic Framework

What are the commitments we make to our students each day? Lake Washington School District launched its new Strategic Framework at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Watch this video from Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent, to learn more about the Strategic Framework and how it shares the district’s vision for our students, staff and organization.

View the Strategic Framework document here.

Highly Capable (HiCap) referral window – Fall 2025

The referral window for Highly Capable (HiCap) service identification opened September 8, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. and runs through September 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Referrals are made through Skyward. 

• Universal screening years (grades 2 and 5): Students will automatically be screened. Families only need to complete Skyward if they wish to opt out.
• All other grades (K-1, 3-4, 6-8): Families must complete a Skyward notice to opt in if they want their child considered and placed.

Please do not complete a referral if your student is currently receiving FTQ/MSQ services.

Please check our site for more details regarding services.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

The Lake Washington School District Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is now available on our district website.
 
Our mission is that every student will graduate prepared to lead a rewarding, responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society. A key part of this mission is creating a positive, harmonious environment where diversity is respected and encouraged.
 
The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is designed to help students, families, teachers and staff understand the district’s expectations. It summarizes laws, regulations and district policies related to student rights, responsibilities, discipline and due process. These expectations reinforce our mission and values by promoting mutual respect, responsibility and inclusion in daily school life.
 
We encourage you to review this resource as we partner together to support a safe, respectful, and thriving learning environment for all students.

To view the handbook in your preferred language, simply select the globe icon "Translate" at the top of webpage.

LWSD continues partnership with Care Solace

Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited to partner with you in supporting every student’s learning, growth and well-being.

As we step into the year ahead, we know that balancing school, family and life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Please remember that you are not alone, our district continues to partner with Care Solace, a free and confidential service that helps students, families and staff quickly connect with mental health and wellness supports.

Through Care Solace, you can:

• Receive 24/7/365 live support in any language.
• Be matched with local or virtual providers based on your needs.
• Get help navigating insurance or finding options without insurance.

You can access support at any time by visiting: caresolace.com/lakewashingtonsd

We encourage you to save this link as a resource throughout the year and share it with anyone who may benefit. Together, we can create the conditions where students and families feel supported, connected and ready to thrive.

Reminder: View the 2025-26 school year calendar

The 2025-26 LWSD school calendar is available on the district website. Here is a direct link to the PDF of the calendar from the site.

Reminder: Attention LWSD Families with School Bus Riders!

We’re excited to introduce StopFinder, a powerful new mobile app designed to improve your experience with school transportation—and it’s fantastic!

The Transportation Department has recently sent account activation emails to contacts associated with student riders. Please check your inbox and follow the instructions in the invitation to subscribe and download the app.

StopFinder puts real-time bus information right at your fingertips, helping you stay informed and connected every step of the way.

You can download the StopFinder app on your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play.

Some key details:

• Student-linked account activation emails were only sent to contacts of students who are LWSD bus-riders.
• To be linked to your student-rider, you must be one of the two primary contacts listed in Skyward for that student. Other users can be added manually by the user once they activate their account (more information on the StopFinder app page).
• StopFinder account activation emails were sent to primary contacts who have NOT yet activated their account. 
• Account activation emails are only active for 30 days. If you need a new activation email sent, please notify transportation.
•  Check the LWSD Transportation page for other related information.

This new LWSD transportation app, along with upgrades to our routing software, was funded by 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects Levy, and we wanted to acknowledge and thank our LWSD district residents and voters for their continued commitment to the students of Lake Washington School District.

REminder: Speed safety cameras coming to school zones this fall

This fall, the City of Redmond will launch its Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program. Speed safety cameras are measurement devices that detect vehicles violating a speed limit. They are a highly effective tool used to improve community safety by reducing speeding and potential collisions in areas where it matters most – like school zones and high-traffic intersections – which Redmond residents and community members have shared is a priority item.

Speed safety cameras will be installed at:

• Redmond High School (17272 NE 104th Street)
• Redmond Middle School (10055 166th Avenue NE)
• Rose Hill Middle School (13505 NE 75th Street)

The City expects these cameras to significantly improve compliance with school zone speed limits, creating a safer environment for students and families arriving, leaving, or walking near schools.

Benefits of speed safety cameras:

• Classified as a proven safety countermeasure by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Reduce collisions by up to 54%.
• Reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by up to 47%.
• Improve the safety of children and other community members.
• Create funding for additional traffic safety improvements.
• Increase speed limit compliance.
• Promote responsible driving.

Please note, a warning period will be in effect for the first 45 days of camera operation. During the warning period, drivers exceeding the posted school zone speed limit will receive a courtesy notice instead of a violation. The courtesy notice requires no payment or response but serves as a learning opportunity for drivers.

Thank you for slowing down, staying alert, and helping keep Redmond’s students, educators, and wider community safe. 

Learn more about the Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program by viewing the flyer or by visiting redmond.gov/SpeedSafetyCameras.

Reminder: Puget Sound Energy offers support for families and households in our district

Lake Washington School District is committed to sustainability. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has programs available to our community to help manage energy usage and reduce monthly bills.

Energy assistance programs

• Bill Discount Rate: Eligible customers can save between 5% and 45% on their monthly energy bills.
• Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP): Provides up to a $1,000 credit to help pay your energy bill. Applying for HELP also initiates an application for the Bill Discount Rate.
• Past Due Bill Forgiveness: Offers a fresh start by forgiving a portion of your past due balance.
• Home Weatherization Assistance: PSE partners with local agencies to provide free, whole-home upgrades that improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly costs.

Energy efficiency rebates 

PSE offers rebates on a variety of energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, including:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Smart thermostats
• Insulation and windows

Additional programs (learn more at PSE.com)

• Community Solar Program: Save up to $240 per year on your electric bill by participating in PSE’s Community Solar program. Free shares from local solar projects are available to eligible customers.
• Tools to Track and Manage Energy Use: Access self-service tools that help you understand your home’s energy consumption and receive personalized tips to save energy.
• PSE Flex Program: Earn rewards by shifting your energy use away from peak demand times. This helps reduce strain on the grid and can lower your bill.

Click here to view the flyer (Spanish) and you can learn more at PSE.com.

Reminder: Safety corner: District tip line

Safety is one of our district’s top priorities. Our district uses Vector Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration five different ways:

1. App: Search for “Vector Alert” in the App Store to download for free
2. Phone: 425.529.5763
3. Text: Text your tip to 425.529.5763
4. Email: 1342@alert1.us
5. Web: https://1342.alert1.us

You can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, threats of violence or any safety issue you're concerned about through Vector Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use our district’s identification code: 1342 in your communication.

Every tip Vector Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer.

Together, using Vector Alert, we can make our district a safer place to work and learn! View this poster for more information.

Reminder: 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress—whether that is thoughts of suicide, symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorder or other factors. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need these types of crisis supports.

Who is the Lake Washington Schools Foundation?

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) partners with our community to remove barriers, support wellness, enhance learning and build connections so that every student in Lake Washington School District has the opportunity to thrive. From providing weekend food packs and mental health resources to funding enrichment programs, LWSF is here to make a difference in students’ lives.

Want to hear inspiring stories and discover ways to support local students? Subscribe to LWSF emails at www.lwsf.org/subscribe.

Filling backpacks, giving hope

This year’s Back-to-School Supply Drive, led by LWSD in partnership with the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, showed the power of our community coming together to support students and families. Thanks to your generosity, donors contributed in countless ways—raising an impressive $15,589 for essential purchases, ordering items through the district’s Amazon Wishlist and dropping off brand-new school supplies at the Resource Center. On August 23, more than 2,000 students picked up these supplies at LWSD’s Back-to-School Jam, starting the new school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.

Learn more at www.lwsf.org/news/filling-backpacks-giving-hope

Become an LWSF Ambassador

LWSF Ambassadors are dedicated adult volunteers who represent their school, champion Foundation programs and help every student thrive. By connecting your school community with LWSF’s mission, you’ll play a vital role in removing barriers, supporting wellness, enriching learning and building connections for all LWSD students.

To learn more, visit www.lwsf.org/ambassadors or contact june@lwsf.org.

Learn why Janene Panek became an LWSF Ambassador.

ParentEd Talks are back!

LWSF is excited to partner again with ParentMap to offer FREE access to ParentEd Talks - a series of expert-led parenting webinars providing trusted guidance, heartfelt inspiration and reassurance that you’re not alone on the parenting journey. This eight-part virtual series tackles today’s biggest parenting challenges, from youth mental health to ADHD to managing technology.

The 2025-26 series kicks off September 30 with nutritionist and Kids Eat in Color founder Jennifer Anderson, whose practical advice has earned her a following of 2M+ parents.

Register now for all eight live talks plus on-demand access to the full library. Use promo code LWSFNDN to claim your free tickets!

LWSF welcomes four new trustees

LWSF is excited to welcome four newly appointed Trustees to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation Board: Perchita Bhan, Lily Lawson, Manasi Sharma and Trevor Willett. The LWSF Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and steadfast support for our mission to help every student thrive.

Learn more about LWSF’s new and continuing Trustees at www.lwsf.org/trustees.

Your tax dollars at work! Improvements funded by the 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy

The 2022 School Technology and Capital Projects Levy funds support technology needs for teaching, learning and business operations, as well as facility needs like maintaining major systems and ensuring health and safety compliance. During the 2024-25 school year and over the summer, Lake Washington School District’s Capital Projects team accomplished 65 different projects at schools and offices throughout the district. These included:

• 38 building system and improvement projects;
• 17 code, compliance, health and safety projects;
• Four school and program improvements; and
• Six athletics, fields and site improvement projects.

Building system and improvement projects, including

• Electrical upgrades at Rockwell Elementary, the Resource Center and Support Services
• Envelope enhancements (siding) at the old Dickinson Elementary gymnasium
• Flooring improvements at seven schools
• HVAC control system upgrade at Inglewood Middle School
• HVAC upgrades at 12 schools
• Intercom upgrade at Blackwell Elementary
• Lighting improvements at Tesla STEM High School
• Plumbing improvements at five locations
• Program improvements at two schools
• Roofing improvements at the Support Services Annex
• Trash compactor upgrades at four schools

Code, compliance, health & safety projects including:

• Access control upgrades at three schools
• ADA upgrades at Kamiakin Middle School
• Water bottle filling stations districtwide
• Safety improvements at four locations

Security enhancements including emergency lockdown buttons School & program improvements, including:

• Readerboard upgrade at Eastlake High School
• Classroom conversion at Lakeview Elementary
• Addition of portable restroom and teacher planning space at Rose Hill Middle School

Athletics, fields and site improvements, including:

• Field upgrades at Evergreen Middle School and Lake Washington High School
• Parking lot improvements at Inglewood Middle School

Learn more about the 2022 School Technology & Capital Projects levy here.

Wave Aquatics announces the reopening of the Juanita Aquatics Center

Please join Wave Aquatics as they celebrate the reopening of the Juanita Aquatics Center on Saturday, September 20 from 12-4 p.m. This event will feature games, swimming and celebration!

If you would like to attend our Grand Reopening Party, you can register ahead of time for free via this link: Grand Reopening Party

Swim lessons

Wave Aquatics is excited to announce that swim lessons will be starting again at the Juanita Aquatics Center for the upcoming Session 10. Session 10 will run from September 22 to October 19, and registration will be opening up on Wednesday, September 17. If you were enrolled in Session 2 swim lessons at Juanita, or are currently enrolled in Session 9 swim lessons at the Redmond Pool, you will have priority registration access starting on Monday, September 15. 

Lap & family swim

Wave Aquatics is also excited to announce that public swims will also be restarting as of September 22 at the Juanita Aquatics Center. Keep an eye out for a future announcement with information on the new public swim schedule and when you will be able to start signing up for those.

Please reach out if you have additional questions, and we hope to see you soon at the Juanita Aquatics Center!

82 LWSD students named National Merit Semifinalists

Eighty-two Lake Washington School District (LWSD) high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the semifinalists on Wednesday, September 10.

Sixteen thousand high school seniors nationwide qualified. More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level. Approximately half will win a National Merit Scholarship. These students will be able to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $26 million.

View the full list of LWSD students named National Merit Semifinalists here.

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