District News

One way to keep our schools safe and open is to offer free COVID-19 tests to students, staff and household members. To make it easier and faster to get a COVID test, we are launching a new consent form that can be used for the entire school year. We encourage all families and staff to complete the form now, so if and when you decide to get a test, you are ready.

Highline Public Schools leaders made the difficult decision to postpone the Highline High School Community Grand Opening and Alumni Reception events planned for October 21 and 22.

Now you can register for limited-capacity, self-guided tours available on October 22 and 23.

If you are on Facebook, why not log on Monday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m. for a Facebook Live event to provide information about the Highline Education Levy?

Schools now have the option to send families a weekly summary on Fridays informing you of any cases reported in your school during the past week.

Read first-hand stories from nurses, counselors, social workers and other staff whose positions are funded by the local Highline Education Levy. The levy is up for renewal on November 2 ballots. 

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance on when students need to stay home and when they can return to school.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has updated its guidance on when students need to stay home and when they can return to school. The new guidance distinguishes between likely COVID symptoms and symptoms that are more likely to be due to garden-variety illness.

Local levy dollars provide critical funding for education programs so all Highline students have equitable opportunities to succeed in school. Renewal of the Highline Education Levy is on the November 2 ballot. Watch this video to see why we have a levy measure on the ballot and what it funds.

Middle and high school students have access to free live tutoring 24/7 in all academic subjects through Paper tutoring. Students connect with Paper's tutors online through live chat. Get help with homework questions or get feedback on a written assignment. Help is on-demand and unlimited.

Chief Academic Officer Susanne Jerde has announced that she will retire from Highline at the end of December 2021. Susanne has given more than 37 years in service to Highline students as a teacher, principal, director, ILED, and since 2014, as CAO. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and dedication to delivering on our Highline Promise.

We welcome seven new lottery members to our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). 

You’re invited to log in for a virtual Town Hall about the Highline Education Levy Renewal on Tuesday, October 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

The Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) are typically administered in the spring. Due to the pandemic, the tests were postponed until this fall. The fall tests will be reflective of the grade students were in during the 2020-21 school year to assess their prior year of learning. They will take the spring assessment again for their currently enrolled grade level.

Highline educators and staff are again navigating uncharted territory as we begin the new school year. With schools open for in-person, full-time learning, the buzz of students we once took for granted has filled our schools once again. But there are still many challenges facing staff as we get through the pandemic together.  We checked in with 12 staff members from across our schools to see how they feel about being back to school in person and how they are managing health and safety. 

We want to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff. That's why we're encouraging eligible students and their families to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The state requires all staff to be vaccinated.

Moving teachers after the start of the school year is always difficult, but every year we have to reassign a few teachers from schools that have fewer students than expected to those that have more. Sometimes this means your child's teacher may change in the first few weeks of school.

From bow to stern, the new Highline High School is drawing Pirate praise. "It's gorgeous. And that's an understatement," says Scott Logan, district chief of operations. “We’ve been flooded with positive early reactions from staff, students, community and alumni to the beautiful rebuild of a school with nearly 100 years of history, delivered on time and within budget."

We have a few open seats on our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). Add your name to the lottery by September 26 if you live in Highline and are serious about helping prioritize 11 older schools for future bonds.

We have answers to questions about our return to in-person learning this fall. The questions were generated during and after the informational webinar for families regarding the start of school. We have posted answers to the questions rated as most important by participants.

This week, we experienced a delay in updating our COVID dashboard, which shows all reported positive COVID cases in our schools. Our practice is to update the dashboard every 24 hours. 

In the last week, our COVID response team has reported that posting new cases has taken longer than 24 hours for two reasons.

Highline Public Schools' local education levy is up for renewal on November 2. "The levy helps us provide equitable opportunities for all students across our district," said Highline School Board President Angelica Alvarez. Find out more information about the levy.

All kindergarten students must be met by an adult at the bus stop for the first 10 days. Keep in mind that our kindergarteners will be doing a lot of learning this year including where to go to find their bus, which may result in a delay.

In this video message, Superintendent Susan Enfield looks ahead at her 10th and final year at Highline Public Schools. Dr. Enfield assures families, students and staff that together we can create a safe, happy, healthy school year. Let's go, Team Highline!

We want to create a safe and healthy learning environment for your child. The COVID-19 vaccine can protect your child from the Delta variant and is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID. That’s why we’re hosting multiple vaccination clinics for students and families, in partnership with UW Medicine and HealthPoint. 

We're back! Day One of the 2021-22 school year is officially in the books. Students and staff celebrated the long-awaited homecoming with 'smeyes' (smiling with your eyes), air hugs and fist bumps. Watch our first-day-of-school video and read a special message to families, students and staff from Superintendent Susan Enfield. 

While the transition to hybrid in-person learning will start with our youngest learners, we want everyone to be prepared for when it's their turn to go back to school. What should students expect when going to school in-person? What do families need to know? Our safety expectations and plan are based on current information from local, state and federal public health agencies. Each layer of protection keeps us safer.

Free breakfast, free lunch, full bellies! During the 2021-22 school year, all enrolled students can participate in their school’s breakfast and lunch program at no cost.

Certain school funding is based on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-priced meals. See how you can help us qualify. 

Time to gear up! It is almost time for school to start. Here are 11 things to do as you get ready for the first day of school.

Due to state law, if your child has a medical condition such as asthma, seizures or diabetes that could be life-threatening, your child will not be able to start school this fall unless all required forms are turned in BEFORE the first day of school.

The first day of school is Thursday, September 2 for students in grades 1-12; Wednesday, September 8 for kindergarten students; and Tuesday, September 14 for preschool students. 

Registration is now open for the Burien Brat Trot—a true community celebration that brings out the fun in all of us and also raises critical funds for the Highline Schools Foundation. 

Student schedules have been posted in ParentVUE. Check your student's assignment there. We'll be sending individual confirmations by the end of the week. If you have questions, please call your school.

We will hold an informational webinar for families on Monday, August 30 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. This session will provide information about the 2021-22 school year. 

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school. We want you to be fully informed about our safety measures for in-person students and staff this school year.

Please be advised we are closing all district offices on Tuesday, August 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to allow all staff to participate in the Highline Equity Symposium.

Our first day of school is near. We want to make sure you are prepared. Please visit our website to see the finalized 2021-22 school calendar.  Below you can find information about a student medical authorization form, a medical insurance option and the upcoming family webinar. 

On the last day of Jump Start Kindergarten, families and staff at Hilltop Elementary School celebrated with a ribbon cutting for their new kindergarten building, rain garden, grass field and outdoor learning spaces.

The Highline School Board has appointed Carrie Howell as the new board director representing District 4. Howell replaces Bernie Dorsey, who stepped down from the school board in June. 

Several 2021 Highline High School grads are leading the charge to install solar panels on the roof of the new building!

Governor Inslee has announced that all K-12 school employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19. This means all Highline Public Schools staff must show proof of vaccination or a medical or religious exemption by October 18..

The King County Housing Authority along with other community partners will host a health fair to provide COVID-19 vaccines for anyone ages 12 and older. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson will be available. 

Your action is required. The online verification process is now open. All families are required annually to submit updated health information.

The Enrollment Team is available to support you with enrolling a new student, activating or setting up your ParentVUE account, or completing enrollment verification for a current student. Support events are scheduled for August 16 and August 30 with staff available in person at Central Office.

Save the dates and RSVP for the Community Grand Opening Ceremony or the Alumni Reception. Both events are during Homecoming week in October and will offer tours of the new Highline High School.

The Highline School Board voted last night to delay their appointment of a director to fill the term of Bernie Dorsey, who stepped down from the school board in June.

Six individuals have applied for the school board position vacated by Bernie Dorsey. Dorsey stepped down in June because he is moving out of state. 

The open position represents District 4, which geographically encompasses Marvista, North Hill, Madrona, and Bow Lake elementary schools, Chinook Middle School, and Tyee High School, as well as other educational sites. Applicants must live within the boundaries of District 4. 

The School Board will appoint one of the candidates to the open position at its August 4 meeting. The successful candidate will be sworn in on August 18. 

The public will have the opportunity to meet the applicants at a Meet and Greet on Thursday, July 29 at 5:00-6:30 via Zoom.  

Here is a look at the 2021-22 school calendar. These dates and breaks are reflected on our website calendar. The calendar will be final after HEA members vote on it in August. At this time, we do not anticipate changes. 

As an extra measure of safety, we are offering free COVID-19 tests to Highline students in our summer school programs who have one or more COVID-19 symptoms and/or have been exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 test. 

To maintain the health and safety of our students, we are offering additional protocols beyond masking and social distancing which will allow safe participation in summer school and athletic programs. Starting July 12, we will offer weekly COVID-19 tests for students participating in summer school at Mount Rainier High School (MRHS) and students participating in summer athletics programming. 

We are hiring 13 AmeriCorps members to join the Secondary Success and College and Career Readiness team. AmeriCorps members will provide support to middle or high school students--helping them prepare for the future they choose. 

There will be no summer programs on Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. All schools will be closed. 

Due to the weather forecast for extreme heat on Monday, all Highline summer school programs and classes are canceled for Monday, June 28. This includes programs at Puget Sound Skills Center. No meals for students will be available at any of our schools or meal pick-up locations on Monday, June 28.

The Highline Public Schools Board of Directors is considering a replacement four-year educational programs and operation levy for the fall election. The district seeks individuals interested in joining pro or con committees. Committees are responsible for writing statements for and against the levy in the voters pamphlet.

Congratulations incoming seniors! We know that transitioning into senior year can be stressful, so we want to help guide you through that process this summer. 

After 14 years on the Highline School Board, Bernie Dorsey has resigned, as he and his wife Jill are relocating out of the area. Dorsey received accolades from school board members, Superintendent Susan Enfield and the superintendent's cabinet as his resignation was accepted by the school board.

For the past week and a half, our email system has received an exceptionally high volume of spam, which has caused the system to slow down significantly. Juneteenth has been designated a state and federal holiday.

Dual language students opting for remote will have a limited dual language program. We want to share with you what remote dual language instruction will look like next year.

Our summer meal program will begin Tuesday, June 29. Families can choose to pick up either weekly meal kits or daily meals. 

See below for a free virtual summer learning experience for students in grades K-8 that provides learning in areas such as reading, math, and cooking classes for the family.

It was the graduation celebration the Class of 2021 hoped for... in-person and with their classmates. After more than 15 months apart in remote or hybrid learning, the Class of 2021 was made whole again. Seniors came together in person for the first time since before the pandemic to celebrate the end of high school.  

McMicken Heights is one of 38 Washington schools cited in a just-released study of schools that have successfully removed barriers for Black, Latino/a, American Indian/Alaska Native, and students experiencing poverty. 

The study concluded that "these schools demonstrate that it is possible to illuminate the strengths of diverse students and dismantle unproductive systems put in place when the US public school system began."

We look forward to celebrating our graduates in person this year. Ceremonies will be at  Highline Memorial Stadium and the Highline Performing Arts Center. Read for information on parking, shuttles, ticketing and more. 

Nearly 92% of families who made a selection for schooling next fall are choosing to send their students to school in person. Just 832 students--362 elementary and 470 secondary--have requested remote learning for 2021-22.

Check out today’s family message that includes the last day of school and the preliminary results from the Fall Selection Form.

After gathering feedback from counselors, teachers, students and families about two possible secondary class schedules (6-period day and 3-period A/B schedule), we have decided to move forward with the 6-period day for 2021-22.

Students in grades 8-12 can sign-up for a three-month Youth ORCA Pass. The ORCA Pass is available for students in grades 8 -12 who qualify for free or reduced meals.  

The last meal kit distribution for the spring will be Wednesday, June 16. See a list of pickup times and locations on our meal page. There will be no meal kit distribution from June 17 to June 27. Our summer meal program will begin Monday, June 28.

After gathering feedback from counselors, teachers, students and families about two possible secondary class schedules (6-period day and 3-period A/B schedule), we have decided to move forward with the 6-period day for 2021-22.

Community members who serve on our Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) met last week on Zoom to learn more about the 11 older school sites they will prioritize for future school bond recommendations.

Student devices include Chromebooks, iPads, Windows laptops or tablets, and hotspots. Please see below for timelines of returning student devices. Students will continue to have access to online learning tools over the summer through August 6.

To make it easier for our students and families to access the vaccine, we are partnering with UW Medical Center to host four student and family vaccine clinics. The clinics will be drop-in only. No appointment is required. The clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine and are for all students (both in-person and remote) who are 12 years old and older, and eligible family members.  

Do you want to give input on how Highline will spend a portion of COVID relief funds in our schools? Submit your name to be part of a new, short-term committee.

King County recently opened up a new eviction prevention and rental assistance program. Call or visit King County's website today to find out if your eligible and to apply.

We want to thank you for your feedback on standards-based grading. Based on your feedback, we have adjusted the grading scale, and revised the format and content to make the report card easier to read. 

The Highline Schools Foundation awarded $173,000 in college and technical school scholarships to 23 graduates from Big Picture, Evergreen, Highline, Mount Rainier, Raisbeck Aviation, and Tyee high schools. 

Check out today’s family update that includes information about counselor funding next year, a link to a recording of yesterday’s family webinar and a reminder about the dental clinic from May 18-20.

Recognizing that our students will need extra social-emotional support due to the impacts of the pandemic, Superintendent Enfield has decided to invest nearly $1 million to provide every school with at least one full-time counselor in 2021-22.

We are considering two models for secondary class schedules for 2021-22 in-person instruction: a 3-period A/B schedule and a traditional 6-period day. You can give feedback in our Thoughtexchange.

Today’s family message includes a reminder of tomorrow’s webinars, vaccination requirements for next school year and the current mask mandate for schools.

Starting in September 2021, we plan to reopen schools for in-person instruction for students in Pre-K through grade 12. Families who are unable to send their children to school in person due to family health concerns may select a remote learning program for the 2021-22 school year. Please take a moment to fill out the 2021-22 learning selection form to commit to in-person or fully remote learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Highline’s summer school programs are an opportunity for students to strengthen and build upon their knowledge, makeup credits, and keep their minds active during summer break. 

Over 3,000 parents/guardians and 3,200 students shared their feedback in our spring survey. Here are some themes and highlights.

Maritime High School offers a new way to learn - beyond the walls of the classroom. Check out this video from our partner Northwest Maritime Center.

We want to hear and learn from students. Does your student have something to share about their experience as a student in Highline? We are seeking students to share their experiences at the 2021 Highline Equity Symposium on Tuesday, August 24. 

It has been determined that the first day of the 2021-22 school year will be on Thursday, September 2. Winter break will be from Monday, December 20 through Friday, December 31.

This week we’re celebrating our school nurses! This year especially we want to shout from the rooftop: THANK YOU! School nurses serve our students in managing complex conditions, identifying mental health issues, leveling the field with regard to health disparities, and now, testing, tracking cases and vaccinating staff.

Next fall, we plan to reopen schools for in-person instruction five full days a week for students in Pre-K through grade 12, as long as public health authorities continue to support in-person learning. 

As recommended by the CDC and Washington State Department of Health, we will require three-foot distancing, face masks and other safety measures. Families will be able to choose a remote option.

The enrollment team is offering an in-person event to support families with online enrollment and registration on Friday, May 21 at the Central Office.

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7 this year. After more than a year of pandemic teaching and learning, our families and staff appreciate teachers like never before. Read the Gold Star nominations for teachers and meet the nominees.

The past 14 months have been extremely challenging for educators across the country. In Highline, our teachers showed incredible innovation and perseverance as they transitioned to distance learning and then hybrid learning, finding new ways to engage students and families. 

The SmileMobile Dental Clinic will be at Evergreen High School and the Olympic Interim Site from May 11-13 and May 18-20. Appointments are available for babies, children, teens and pregnant/postpartum individuals who are uninsured or who are with Apple Health. Schedule an appointment by calling 888.286.9105.

We continue to monitor COVID activity data published by Public Health - Seattle & King County. As of the time of this posting, King County continues to experience a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. 

We are opening the new Maritime High School this fall with its inaugural 9th-grade class. We have spots remaining and we invite you to apply

On this Earth Day 2021, did you know there is a 1.6-acre magical, thriving, organic “Shark Garden” at New Start High School in Burien?

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced this week that students will not take state standardized tests this spring. Instead, the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science will be scheduled in Fall 2021.

The fall testing schedule meets the federal requirement for state testing without committing valuable learning time this spring to test-taking. 

Highline Public Schools announces two property sales in progress or completed, plus one purchase of property adjacent to the Central Office. The new purchase will expand the parking area for meetings and professional development and consolidate storage space.

Thank you to all who participated in our focus groups on standards-based grading. More teachers across Highline are using a standards-based approach to grading assignments and giving feedback. We hope to pilot a new standards-based report card soon.

We're pinching ourselves—it feels like a dream to have all grades back on school grounds! Today, we welcomed back more students in grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. It is our biggest first day yet and our second-to-last first day for the 2021-22 school year. We welcome back the rest of our secondary in-person students on Thursday. Most middle and high school students attend in two groups, either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday. Some students who receive special education services attend four days a week. 

After 12 months of teaching behind a computer, Jessica Ingersoll has a piece of herself back. "I'm back in my element being in the classroom," shares Ms. Ingersoll, a Madrona Elementary School IAC teacher.

Families expressed gratitude to teachers, school staff and district leaders for making it possible and safe to return to classrooms in person this spring. Read what three teachers, three families and several students told us.

For spring break, April 12 through April 16, meal kits will be offered on Thursday, April 8 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. only. Pick up locations include Chinook and Glacier middle schools and Evergreen and Mount Rainier high schools.

We look forward to celebrating our graduates in-person this year. Please see the updated 2021 graduation schedule, which includes ceremonies at Highline Memorial Stadium and the Performing Arts Center. Each graduate will be allotted two guest tickets. Seating will be socially distanced and other safety protocols will be in place. All graduations will also be live-streamed.

Starting the week of April 19, students in grades 6-12 who have chosen hybrid learning will begin school in person.

It's so good to see you! With first-day butterflies and smiles in our eyes, we welcomed more than 1,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students back to in-person learning this week. It was the first time in more than a year these students have entered a classroom. 

Wondering about state testing, COVID testing and lunch safety? We have answers. Here are this week's Hybrid Hot Topics.

Since returning to in-person learning, Ms. Ayon-Ramirez has seen a big change in her student's engagement. Attendance has gone through the roof, and students are excited about learning. 

As an Integrated Learning Center (ILC) teacher, Ms. Dhami started teaching in-person last November. She spent the first few days of class teaching students about safety protocols, including washing hands, using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask and staying at a distance.

More teachers across Highline are using a standards-based approach to grading assignments and giving feedback. We hope to pilot a new standards-based report card soon and want to hear your thoughts. We invite all staff, families and students to attend a virtual focus group to provide feedback on standards-based grading and the new report card.

We want to provide all families, all staff and secondary students opportunities to share feedback, input and ideas on how we can support learning experiences in distance and in-person learning. Please help us better support you by completing the linked survey. The survey will run from March 29 to April 9. Results will help us to plan for this spring and next fall.

Governor Inslee has announced that schools now have the option to use three-foot distancing between students rather than six feet. This change may not apply to middle and high school students who rotate between classes during the school day, depending on community transmission levels. We do not plan to change our distancing standard this spring in Highline. 

Monday, March 29 will be a distance learning day for PreK and elementary classrooms, with the exception of our special education classrooms. Students served by ILC, IAC and CBS programs will have in-person school as usual. 

Check out today’s family update that includes information about health and safety, social-emotional learning resources and the Gold Star Breakfast.

The English Language Proficiency Assessment is happening now through June 4. All eligible hybrid students will be administered the test. Be on the lookout for more information.

Rain can’t stop the excitement and joy of our second and third graders! Nearly 1,100 second- and third-grade students returned to in-person learning today for the first time in more than a year.

Starting April 19, middle and high school students will have the option of hybrid learning. In hybrid, students will attend school in person two full days per week, rotating through classes in a three-period day. Hybrid learning is not mandatory. Students may opt to remain in distance learning through the end of the school year. 

In recent weeks, we have seen reports of escalating hate crimes against people of Asian descent in our state and across the nation. We stand with all people of Asian descent in the U.S. and around the world, and we condemn hate and violence against any person due to their race, ethnicity or identity. 

We will begin hybrid learning for grades 6-12 on Monday, April 19.  Governor Inslee has ordered that all public schools provide both remote and in-person options for all students K-12 by that date. Families will choose to opt-in to hybrid learning or remain in fully remote learning.

Superintendent Susan Enfield updates families and staff on the Governor's emergency proclomation to return students to school buildings means for Highline.

The winners are... The Highline Schools Foundation announces the winners of its 2021 Gold Star Awards, highlighting the outstanding efforts of educators, staff, volunteers and alumni.

Read the March update on construction progress at Highline High School. See photos and drone footage.

We have space available in our new Highline Virtual Academy. Highline Virtual Academy is launching this fall for students in 6th through 12th grades. The academy will be the only all-remote option in the 2021-22 school year and moving forward. We invite you to apply through SchoolMint. 

We are preparing to welcome middle and high school students back to school buildings on April 19. To meet safety protocols, we are developing a hybrid learning model, where students are in-person part-time and learning at home part-time. To learn more, you are invited to attend a family webinar on Monday, March 22.

When students arrived for the first day of hybrid learning on March 11, they were greeted in person by their teacher for the first time in exactly a year.  Students and staff wear masks, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and stay at a distance as much as possible. While these routines are new, being together in person instantly made students more engaged. 

Please see an update on the planning for in-person support for middle and high school students.

It is almost one year to the day since the pandemic closed our school buildings to students, staff and families. Today we welcomed back Pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade students, as well as students in our IAC program in grades K-12 across the district.

The masks can't hide the smiles! Thursday was the first day back at a brick-and-mortar school for about 1,500 Highline students. It was also the first day of in-person school ever for many preschool and kindergarten students!

Today and every day we are grateful for our support staff—our behind-the-scenes heroes—bus drivers, paraeducators, kitchen helpers, office staff, custodians, and more. In the last 12 months, our school support staff has gone above and beyond to serve our students, families and fellow staff members.

We have reached an agreement with our teachers to begin hybrid instruction on March 11. Please read this family message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about the plan. 

Please see important information and resources for returning to in-person learning.

Unfortunately, due to the impacts of COVID-19, ShoWare Center is no longer able to host graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021.  Celebrating the hard work of our graduates is a priority, and we are currently working to develop a modified plan for commencement ceremonies, cap and gown distribution, and senior end-of-year events. We will be in touch as soon as more information is available. 

Superintendent Enfield's message to families on Wednesday touched a nerve that taps into the frustration and anger many of us a feeling right now. Dr. Enfield has a few words about that, and she also shares some good news about vaccination for Highline staff

You are invited to a series of learning circles offered in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. During the series, participants will learn about the Muckleshoot people, their history, culture and language. 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) have released a new report exploring how to minimize COVID-19 in schools and mitigate its spread in schools and the community.

Among the key findings, adhering to safety measures can limit transmission and the size of outbreaks in schools.

And the nominees are... the Highline Schools Foundation unveiled the 2021 Gold Star Award nominees. This year's list of impressive nominees includes well-deserving teachers, staff, administrators and volunteers. Congratulations to all.

Please read this family message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about in-person hybrid learning. 

The community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) got back to work on Wednesday, February 24, shifting their work sessions to Zoom, after pausing their meetings for a year.

A lottery was held on March 1 to select students for our secondary schools that require an application or a program transfer. This includes CHOICE Academy, Big Picture Schools, Highline Virtual Academy, Maritime High School, Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offered at Mount Rainier High School (MRHS).
 

Highline High School Tennis Coach Scott Babcock cut the ribbon at a very small, very wet ceremony on February 26 to mark the completion of six new purple tennis courts at the Sunnydale site.

Highline Public Schools and Highline Education Associate (HEA) have agreed on tentative start dates for hybrid learning. The plan would start in-person learning on March 11.

Our Social-Emotional Learning Team offers these strategies for helping your child through uncertain times. More information, examples, and tools can be found on our SEL for families page.

Find information on why we are transitioning classes on Monday, March 1 and resources to support your student.

Here are some of the most pressing questions we have heard this week.

Starting March 1, our meal distribution will change. Families can choose to pick-up pre-ordered meal kits on Mondays or Wednesdays. We will no longer provide daily meals.

In a year full of challenges, one of the biggest challenges has been preparing to bring students back to school for in-person learning. We will postpone the start of hybrid learning, which was scheduled to begin March 1.

We recognize the change in our timeline has an impact on our families. Childcare is available for families who need it. 

See an important update for high school athletics.

While the transition to hybrid in-person learning will start with our youngest learners, we want everyone to be prepared for when it's their turn to go back to school. What should students expect when going to school in-person? What do families need to know? Our safety expectations and plan are based on current information from local, state and federal public health agencies. Each layer of protection keeps us safer.

Check out this important update for elementary families about online registration, change in assignment process, transportation and photo opt out.

Here are some of the hybrid questions that have come up this week.

School board meetings will be held in-person starting next month, thanks to new safety guidelines from Governor Jay Inslee. Superintendent Susan Enfield shares this news in her weekly video message, along with plans for the first day of hybrid learning and her continued appreciation of our hard-working staff.

To the Class of 2021:Superintendent Susan Enfield has a message just for you. In it, she discusses plans for graduation and new 24/7 resources to help you reach that goal. We are proud of you. The year hasn’t been easy, and it hasn’t been the senior year you wanted. What’s important now is to be on the path you choose for after graduation. It’s not too late to get the help you need!

We have a new tool to track positive COVID cases among staff and students working and learning in our schools and facilities. We developed the COVID Dashboard in the interest of transparency about the number of COVID cases in our schools.

Please see an important update to next week’s school schedule.

Families attending schools in-person or remotely may request a change in assignment:

To provide additional support to our students, we are offering unlimited, live tutoring for students in all academic subjects--24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are partnering with a company called PAPER to provide this service. 

Check out today’s family update that includes information on changes to meal distribution and P-EBT.

As promised, we are sharing our school safety plan with you as we prepare to transition to hybrid learning.

From time to time during the winter months, the weather may force a change in the normal school schedule-—even during remote and hybrid learning. We want you to be prepared and know where to get information. 

Congratulations to the second round of Mini Excel Grant awardees! The Highline Schools Foundation awarded 46 Excel Mini Grants worth up to $500. The grants support teachers and staff to obtain the resources they need for distance and hybrid learning. 

Here are answers to more questions we are hearing. How will we ensure students keep their masks on? What circumstances trigger the closure of a classroom or school? Why are hybrid students only in person for 2.5 hours a day?

Check out the family update for February 9. It includes information about meal distribution during the long weekend and the schedule for in-person instruction.

Do you work with or for a person who has made a significant contribution in Highline? The Highline Schools Foundation would like to recognize their work. Take this opportunity to give recognition to the outstanding staff and volunteers in Highline

What is your student doing on iReady and how can you help? Join us for iReady Family Night on Thursday, February 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. to learn how to support students learning at home. 

Please see the family message for February 5. It includes a mid-winter break reminder, hot topics, enrollment support events and the number of students returning to in-person learning.

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate Black people's accomplishments and leadership, learn and reframe history with accurate facts and from a variety of perspectives, and celebrate the richness that Black people contributed and continue to contribute to our community and the nation.

In Highline, we are deeply engaged in work around equity, race and identity to foster an environment in which all students, families and staff grow, thrive and succeed. Living out this work means supporting the adults who surround our students—employees, families, and community members—in exploring equity and institutional racism.

Lots of thought and sweat went into this mural designed and painted by Raisbeck Aviation High School’s Class of 2020. It all stemmed from the question, “What is Raisbeck Aviation High School really about?” The answer begins with memories, dreams, opportunities and a sense of community. Read the story in the words of two RAHS Class of 2020 students. 

Please read this family message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about listening to questions and concerns around the transition to hybrid learning. 

Here are some of the most pressing questions we have heard this week. What has been done to improve ventilation in our schools and facilities? Why not wait until all staff are vaccinated before starting hybrid? Check out the answers.

We have all been wondering how many elementary students would choose to return for in-person learning. The data is in.

We received commitment forms for 93% of our elementary students. (Huge shout out to staff for all your work in reaching out to our families!)

Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's your neighbor, family friend or even your own child. Help us spread the word: families can enroll their incoming kindergarten student starting February 1 for the 2021-22 school year. 

Do you have questions and concerns about the safety of hybrid learning? Maybe you have seen statements on social media that are making you anxious about students and teachers returning to school buildings. 

We are busy, preparing for hybrid learning and planning for Fall 2021. We are excited for two new learning options opening in Fall 2021, Maritime High School and Highline Virtual Academy

Help us determine the best way to serve student meals that is convenient for all families as we transition to hybrid, in-person learning.

Back to school since November, small groups of K-12 students with special needs are thriving in our Integrated Learning Center (ILC) and Community Based Services (CBS) programs. These photos and stories showcase the joy, learning and challenges of students and special education staff in our ILC and CBS classrooms. 

There is only one more week to apply to our secondary schools of choice. The application will close at 11:00 p.m. on January 31. 

Students have a lot of options when it comes to middle and high school--either their neighborhood school or a school of choice. Secondary schools of choice include Big Picture, CHOICE Academy, Raisbeck Aviation High School, the new Maritime High School and the Highline Virtual Academy as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Mount Rainier High School. 

Highline Virtual Academy is launching this fall for students in 6th through 12th grade. Students who thrive in independent and online learning will benefit from attending the Highline Virtual Academy. Flexibility and self-pace are two important components of the academy’s learning model. 

To ensure an equitable process, we are changing the process of identifying students eligible for Highly Capable Services. The annual identification window will shift from spring 2021 to fall 2021. 

Many of you have asked questions about our hybrid plan. Please see our FAQ page for a complete list. Here are a few common questions. 

Please read this family message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about our plan to move to in-person hybrid learning. 

The Highline Schools Foundation has a new leader. Anne Gillingham has been named the new Executive Director of the Foundation.

November 2016 Highline school bond projects are wrapping up within budget and on time, despite unusual challenges. A committee of Highline residents meets quarterly to review the district’s progress on the school bond and how capital funds are being spent. Read the status report.

We want to share an update on athletics. Unfortunately, all middle school sports are canceled for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. High school sports will resume. We are following health guidelines to ensure our students and coaches are safe. 

Based on public health recommendations, we intend to continue phasing in students to in-person learning on March 1. We are asking families with students in PreK-5 or our IAC program (K-12) to commit to hybrid or fully remote instruction by January 29. To do so, please fill out the commitment form below for each of your students in PreK-5 or our IAC program (K-12). If your student is in an IAC program in K-5th grade, please fill out the elementary form.

This week we announced our plans to bring elementary and more students with special needs back into school buildings, beginning March 1. Why now and why March 1? Superintendent Susan Enfield answers that question. 

Yes, that is the original terracotta! The new school continues on track to open in September. Check out the latest interior and exterior photos and a drone video from teacher Jeb Binns! Read the January update on construction progress.

Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's your neighbor, family friend or even your own child. Help us spread the word: families can enroll their incoming kindergarten student starting February 1 for the 2021-22 school year. 

We are aware that widespread power outages are affecting student learning today. Please refer to our guide on power and internet outages for information on how to continue learning

Based on public health recommendations, we intend to continue phasing in students to in-person learning on March 1.

Superintendent Enfield urges us to make this an opportunity to engage students in conversations about how we can disagree with out divisiveness. Watch her video message and find resources to support this work. 

The events unfolding in our nation’s capital are leaving us all reeling. As educators, we must not only make sense of this for ourselves, but also for them. 

Get information on how to nominate someone for a Gold Star Award from the Highline Schools Foundation, and how to register for free, virtual after-school art classes.

Here are some important dates regarding our free meal program during Distance Learning. Please note, weekly meal kit pickup days have moved from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Join us for one of our family information sessions on January 14 to learn details on elementary students returning to in-person learning. Both sessions will contain the same information.

High school students across Highline found connection and inspiration around a virtual campfire on a December weekend in 2020. It was a powerful and moving end of a not-so-normal fall at Camp Waskowitz. Starting Spring 2021, WELS has enrollment openings in its innovative, project-based program for students currently in grades 10-11. Ninth grade students also are invited to learn about WELS and to enroll for the 2021-22 school year.

To avoid crowding our clinics and hospitals with people experiencing COVID-like symptoms, public health officials are recommending that people get vaccinated for influenza as early as possible. Sign up today for a free flu vaccination clinic at Evergreen High School on Tuesday, December 29.

Students have a lot of options when it comes to secondary schools. We encourage students and families to find the best fit. The application window for secondary schools of choice is January 1 - 31, 2021. Applications close at 11:00 p.m. 

This fall, we announced our seventh straight year of rising graduation rates. The Class of 2020 graduated at 83.8 percent, the highest rate in recent Highline Public Schools history. This is especially notable since seniors spent their final three months of high school in distance learning. 

It's report card time for Highline Public Schools, and this year our interactive annual report includes more data than ever. We have expanded our online district report card to include metrics that show how we are doing in becoming a more equitable school system.

Please take a moment to read through an update about planning for in-person learning and take a short survey if you have an elementary student.

The holiday season and the dark winter months that follow can be a difficult time for many people. This year, isolation due to the pandemic may intensify the depression or sadness people may already be feeling. 

We want to make sure we have the correct information on file for you and your child. Having up to date information is important.

Maritime High School is a new small high school opening in September 2021 with its first 9th-grade class. Maritime is a collaborative project of Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime Center, Port of Seattle, and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, with many community and industry partners engaged to support our students. The new school will connect students to project-based learning centered on the environment, marine science and maritime careers.

While we cannot yet predict a firm date when we will be able to return students and staff to school buildings, we are developing a plan now. We want to be ready as early as February if public health conditions allow a safe reopening. Please look for a survey here or in your email next week.

Here are some important dates regarding our free meal program during Distance Learning. Please note, weekly meal kit pickup days will be moving from Mondays to Wednesdays in January 2021.  

Please use this Power or Internet Outage plan to continue distance learning during these unexpected events. Student attendance during these unexpected events will be determined based on evidence of participation in independent or offline learning activities. 

The national education publication K-12 Dive has named us its District of the Year in the K-12 Dive Awards for 2020.

Do you have a friend or relative who is looking for part-time work and wants to make an impact in our community? As we prepare for hybrid learning, we are hiring for all school bus driver positions, including new trainees, part-time guest/substitutes and experienced school bus drivers.

Find out the new transfer and renewal timelines for enrollment in the 2021-22 school year.

Explore Highline's community partnerships on our new Community Partner Dashboard! The new Dashboard shows specific services provided by community partners at each school. The Community Partner Dashboard ensures that school communities – staff, families, partners and community members – are aware of the resources available.

Please check out the family update for November 30 that includes information about free flu clinics and Covid testing.

Here are resources from our Native Education Program to add deeper context to the Thanksgiving holiday.

There’s money for college—let us help you find it. Attend a weekly Financial Aid completion workshops or watch step-by-step YouTube tutorial.

Here are the anticipated June 2021 graduation dates. Please be mindful that these are the dates currently scheduled for in-person graduations. If this is not possible, dates and times may need to be adjusted.

What is your ideal version of an online school? Come shape the vision of the Highline Virtual Academy. 

We are hosting three opportunities for students and staff to join focus groups.

Highline Public Schools plans to adopt new materials for language arts--and we want your input! Your voice is important as we select new Language Arts instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Highline Public Schools is proud to celebrate National Family Involvement Day on November 19. On this day we honor the powerful contributions made by families to support student success.

Read the Family Update for November 17. See interactive meals delivery map, remember to pre-order meals, share your opinion in our meal survey, plus learn what to expect with grading & report cards.

This weekend, Governor Inslee issued new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.  While K12 is exempt from these restrictions, we want to honor them to the extent possible while still serving our students.

Interested in attending Raisbeck Aviation High School next year? Raisbeck Aviation is one of Highline’s schools of choice. Staff and students are hosting two information nights for you to learn if Raisbeck Aviation is right for you. The first info night is tomorrow. 

Please read the family update for November 12 that includes information on free flu shot clinics, family zoom expectations, our recent newsletter and pre-ordering meals.

Contractors swung sections of building into place in October at Hilltop Elementary School. By early 2021, Hilltop will have an additional four new classrooms with a set of bathrooms in its new additional classroom building at the northwest corner of the school site. 

Enjoy this performance piece compliments of Glacier Middle School's Wind Ensemble! These 7th- and 8th-grade students had fun collaborating during Distance Learning to produce this piece of music titled “Alien Invasion” by David Gorham. They are led by Band and Orchestra Director Stephanie Kuborssy. 

You came through for our students with our highest approval rate in decades. Enjoy this thank you “card” with a message from one of our students! And don't miss Superintendent Susan Enfield's thank you to voters and Yes for Highline campaign volunteers.

Superintendent Enfield celebrates the passage of Highline's Tech Levy, Prop. 1, and thanks voters and the Yes for Highline campaign volunteers for their work.  

We are thrilled to share with our Highline community that the technology levy was approved by voters! Thank you to all for your continued support of our students, staff and schools. 

We are forming an Advisory Council. Members will serve as co-authors and help recommend elements from the Social Justice Standards that are most important to families. Apply Today.

Computers and home internet connections allow teachers like Tyee High School’s Nancy Pappas to connect with and teach students in her Trades Academy class.

We shared information about seven topics in this family update.

The graduation rate for Highline Public Schools increased for the seventh straight year. The overall graduation rate for the Class of 2020 is 83.8 percent. The greatest increase came for Black/African American students, who graduated at the highest rate ever in Highline, at 88.7 percent. That is an increase of 12 percentage points over the previous year. 

During distance learning, every student has an adult at school who is asked to check in with them once a week.

We know that school disruptions can lead to learning loss. We have been working hard to prevent learning loss and ensure all students have the opportunity to be engaged and supported in grade-level learning, using research-based strategies.

P.E. continues--just differently for now. Hilltop student Dionne Johnson demonstrates! During good days and bad days, mom Jessica is thankful for the device, hotspot, whiteboard, etc. If they go somewhere, they can bring the hotspot. Read their Distance Learning story.

Hamza (grade 4), Salman (grade 2) and Samiya (K) attend school online this fall thanks to devices loaned out by Beverly Park Elementary School and internet assistance. Read their Distance Learning story.

Issac Mota is a 6th grade student at Chinook Middle School. When we visited Issac and his mother Tiffany Scott, to find out how Distance Learning is going, Isaac was in art class via Zoom, using a laptop issued by the school. 

We want to know more about your experience with Distance Learning during the pandemic. Please help us better support you and other students and families by completing the survey linked below. The survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete and your answers will be anonymous. 

Our family update for October 26 includes a replay of the family webinar, results from our last Thoughtexchange, a reminder to vote by Nov. 3 and info on the immigrant relief fund.

Election day is Tuesday, November 3. You can read about all the important issues in the voter pamphlet or online, including Highline's proposed technology levy. 

School meals are a convenient and healthy option for all families during Distance Learning. We have FREE meals available for ALL children 18 and younger. Check out a message from Superintendent Enfield about the importance of sharing this information with families.