District News

We have concluded our most recent Thoughtexchange, which asked families for their feedback on our draft plan for fall. Thank you to all who provided feedback, we had over 2,000 individuals participate. Here are the results.

See results from our most recent ThoughtExchange and watch one of our webinars held on July 1 about our draft plan for fall 2020. 

We are developing a draft plan for returning to school this fall.You are invited to take this survey about the plan and to share your thoughts and questions in this Thoughtexchange format.

As our district workgroups formulate plans for returning to school in the fall, we need your input. Please join Superintendent Susan Enfield on July 1 to learn about our proposed plan for fall, give feedback and ask questions.

In order to provide technology to our incoming kindergarten students for participation in virtual Jump Start experiences, it is necessary to collect information about students’ access to technology and internet connectivity.

Please read this message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about the 2019-20 school year and a preview of next school year. 

It was not the graduation celebration the Class of 2020 always thought it would have. There was no big stage to walk across, no bleachers packed with cheering family and friends, no hugs or high-fives shared between graduates. 

But even without the typical pomp and circumstance, the heart of the celebration remained. Graduates stood tall with confidence as they received their diplomas. Families cheered from their cars, waving signs, honking horns and crying with excitement. Teachers and staff burst with pride as they waved goodbye to graduates one final time.

Meet some of our graduating seniors from the Class of 2020. We invite you to find hope and be inspired by what they have to say about their future plans, favorite teacher, favorite memory or advice for future seniors. 

We want to make sure we have the correct information on file for you and your child. There is now a new feature in ParentVUE that allows you to review and update student information for the upcoming school year.

Highline Public Schools is conducting a public opinion survey in June to gather data that will help us learn the funding priorities and communication preferences of our community. This research is being conducted via cell, landline and text messaging.

See a message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about planning for Fall. 

Find out about a potential technology levy being considered for the November 2020 ballot to pay for devices, connection, security, support and training. 

Highline’s second cohort of bilingual teaching fellows graduated this spring. They celebrated together in a virtual event on June 8. This event recognized Cohort 2’s graduation and was a welcome to the new group of future bilingual teachers in Cohort 3. 

It's time to find a comfortable spot with your device to scroll through art created by Highline students. The Highline Visual Arts Show is going online! 

Here is what we know today about our summer and fall athletics programs based on current state and county public health guidelines, and in coordination with WIAA.

The Scholar-Athlete, Coach and Community Recognition Banquet honors students that shine in multi-sport athletics, academics and community service. 

We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership with Music4Life, a non-profit organization that provides donated and repaired musical instruments at no charge to students who qualify.

Congratulations to McMicken Elementary School for being recognized by The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) for continuous improvement for Black students.

Evergreen High School's Mony Thach has been selected to be a featured graduate in the virtual "Dear Class of 2020" graduation special organized by former first lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher organization. Tune in on Saturday, June 6 at noon on YouTube.

Please read this message from the Board of Directors for Highline Public Schools in response to the homicide of George Floyd. 

FREE Summer Youth ORCA Pass is Back! High school students can sign-up for a three-month Youth ORCA Pass for when safe, non-essential trips on public transit resume in King County. The ORCA Pass is available for students in grades 8 -12 who qualify for free or reduced meals.  

Please read this family and student message from Superintendent Susan Enfield in response to the tragic death of George Floyd and the need to become an anti-racist community. 

Your feedback is valued. We want to know more about your experience with distance learning during the pandemic. 

Our schools are scheduling time during the week of June 15 for you to pick up any items your child left at school and to return library books and other items to school. Please look for a message from your school giving you the designated date and time.

With the current restrictions on in-person activities, children and teens may be spending more time online. Please take this opportunity to talk with your child about staying safe online. Younger children are especially vulnerable to being deceived by people they encounter in multi-player games and other internet gathering places.

Read this family message from Superintendent Susan Enfield about planning for fall 2020.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020. Our seniors have worked hard, and they deserve to be celebrated. We wish we could give them a traditional graduation ceremony, but since that is not possible due to the pandemic, we have worked hard to plan a creative way to celebrate commencement. 

Highline Schools Foundation announced the first 17 winners of its 2020 scholarship process for high school seniors.

Today's update includes the last day of school, email bouncebacks and wifi resources in the community.

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.
 

During this difficult time, we understand that as a parent taking a bigger role in your student’s education you may have concerns. Distance Learning brought countless challenges, but Highline Public Schools is committed to communicating and working with you and your family. If you are encountering:

Educators have never had to adapt like they have this year, creating new ways to engage students and families. Highline teachers made an overnight transition to a distance learning model, showing our community their best qualities: innovation, perseverance, tenacity, care and commitment. 

On Friday, May 2, we learned that a kitchen staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Public Health advised us on our response. There are no concerns about the safety of the food because it was pre-packaged and staff uses safe food handling practices, including wearing gloves and masks. 

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses are invited to join an online AP Prep Party to learn how to prepare, access exams and ask questions. We've added a step-by-step checklist to help you get ready to take your AP exam.

Today's family update includes meal site information, learning supply kits, elementary grading and more. 

Superintendent Enfield will serve on a COVID Task Force convened by AASA, the national superintendents association. The advisory panel will assist district leaders with the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Six new HHS tennis courts are under construction in part of the field at the Sunnydale site.

The annual Scholar-Athlete, Coach & Community Contributor Event will get creative and go virtual on May 27, but the need for scholarship money is very real. Can you help by May 8?

While we eagerly wait for our school buildings to open again, here's a glimpse into one of our classrooms at Beverly Park from before. 

We have updated our high school grading policy for this semester, based on a new directive from the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This directive applies to all school districts in the state.

CHOICE Academy, Raisbeck Aviation High School, Pacific Middle School, and Midway and McMicken Heights elementary schools have been recognized by the State Board of Education for positive system changes happening in their schools.

U.S. News and World Report just released its annual list of 2020 Best High Schools. All four of Highline Public Schools’ comprehensive high schools made the list this year, in addition to two of our choice high schools. 

Learn the truth about U.S. Census rumors, plus get extra learning materials, provided by the Census, for use in distance learning.

We know that one of the big concerns seniors have right now is earning all the credits you need to graduate this spring. Our priority is ensuring that you graduate on time in June.

CFAC meetings are postponed until the 2020-21 school year. The plan is to meet in person, once public gatherings are possible, to continue the process of building community consensus on school construction priorities.

See the latest photos of progress on the Evergreen Synthetic Turf Field. The new field is being installed inside the existing track between Evergreen High School and Cascade Middle School. 

COVID-19 didn’t stop progress on the new PIrate ship--at least not for long. Highline High School is a public works project, and Skanska revamped workflow plans and added new safety measures.

Meal sites are open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only to promote social distancing. Students will receive two days worth of meals on Monday, three days worth of meals on Wednesday, and two days worth of meals on Friday.

Staying connected with the school and district is important, especially during this time of distance learning.

As students begin distance learning, you may need technology support. We have created a webpage with resources that provides step-by-step instructions on logging into your Chromebook, connecting your Chromebook to the internet, and rebooting your Chromebook if needed. 

United Way announced an expanded program of rental assistance. One month of rental assistance is being offered to people in King County struggling to pay rent due to the coronavirus.

The School Board and Superintendent Susan Enfield will host a webinar for seniors and families on Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00 p.m. 

Please read this message Superintendent Susan Enfield sent to the Class of 2020 on April 7, 2020.

On April 6, Governor Inslee announced schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Without these restrictions, public health authorities say the rate of infection will overwhelm the healthcare system.

Spring is often the time of year we host job fairs to find our student's next great teacher. With the current Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we are taking our job fairs online. Interested in becoming a teacher in Highline? Complete our online interest form to set up a virtual interview. 

The United Way of King County has several resources to help families during this time including rental and utility assistance, food services, unemployment services, childcare, transportation and more. 

Our meal site locations are changing due to spring break on April 6-10. We are collaborating with our community partners to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. Here is the week’s schedule

Teachers are reaching out to all students and families as part of our new distance learning plan. Please be on the lookout to ensure you don’t miss anything. Here are four tips when communicating with teachers. 

Here are some free and low-cost internet options for families.

We are providing basic childcare for healthcare workers and first responders. Children must be currently enrolled in grades Pre-K through 5 in a Highline school.

Elementary report cards will be mailed to each students’ listed mailing address between April 7 and April 14. If you do not receive your student’s report card, or if there is an issue with the report card, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

We have been working hard to keep up with changing circumstances and shifting guidance from our state leaders about educating students during the current public health crisis. Based on the latest guidance from the state, we have built a plan to continue instruction to the extent possible.

Seniors and families are invited to join Superintendent Susan Enfield for a live video information session to answer questions about graduation, grades, and any of the topics related to your senior year. 

Here is a family update on supporting students during the school closure, distance learning and grades. 

Does your student need a device to use at home during the school closure? We have one for you to use. Over the next several days, we will be hosting device pick-up sessions at our schools. 

COVID-19 is limiting in-person outreach by U.S. Census helpers. You can help our region and schools get vital services, representation and funding for the next 10 years. Respond online, by phone or by mail. Let’s count every child in Highline. Here's how to help from home.

High school students and teachers will continue to use a 6-period schedule for the foreseeable future, rather than switching to a 5-period trimester system. Here's why....

Times of crisis, particularly when people are in close quarters, can lead to an increase in domestic abuse. Resources are available 24/7, and domestic violence programs across our state are working tirelessly to help people plan for their safety. You are not alone. Help is a call or chat away.

Chromebooks will be handed out to 12th-grade students this Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Students need to pick up their Chromebook from the school they attend.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has a television studio and has created enrichment videos. Check out this resource!

UPDATE: New OSPI guidance is that education must continue during the closure. We are working on a plan for distance learning. 

To reflect state and county guidelines, we are closing the use of play toys and sport courts, including basketball and tennis courts. All district buildings, facilities and fields are also closed to the public.

The Highline Schools Foundation is accepting monetary donations to purchase supplies for the childcare centers we are opening during the school closure.

A number of local food banks are supporting families and students with food during the coronavirus outbreak. Here is a list of locations.

We will provide basic childcare for a limited number of Highline students in grades Pre-K through 5. Children must be currently enrolled in a Highline school.

As we navigate the ever-changing and challenging circumstances created by coronavirus, we rely on our social and emotional learning strategies and skills to support ourselves and each other. Here are resources for discussing coronavirus with students and helpful RULER lessons for families. 

Many families and community members have asked how they can support during this challenging time. Here are some suggestions.

Comcast is offering its Internet Essentials program free to new customers for 60 days. All new customers will receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem and WiFi router. There is no term contract.

Starting Monday, March 16 we will distribute meals to students at several of our schools. Meals are free to every Highline student. Registration is not required. There are no forms to fill out and no names are written down. See a list of locations. 

Governor Inslee issued an executive order closing all schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties until at least April 24. All Highline schools will close to students, effective Monday, March 16.

See resources for families who may want to see a doctor, but don’t have one and/or those who need to enroll in public or low-cost health insurance. 

Today and every day we are grateful for our support staff—our behind-the-scenes heroes—bus drivers, paraeducators, kitchen helpers, recess monitors, office staff, custodians, and more. 

Meet our 2020 Gold Star Winners! 

This is the first of several communications over the coming days based on the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation.

We are committed to keeping you informed about our response to coronavirus. Here is your daily update. 

Read a family message sent on March 10 about the coronavirus from Superintendent Susan Enfield. 

If you keep checking your phone for the latest coronavirus updates, chances are your kids have noticed. Be ready to answer your child’s questions about coronavirus. If they don't seem interested or don't ask a lot of questions, that's OK too. Just follow their lead.

We continue to watch the developments in the coronavirus situation. We are doing our best to adjust our decisions based on new information and keep you informed. We acknowledge that this is unchartered territory for us all, and we thank you for your patience. 

We are committed to keeping you informed about our response to coronavirus. Here is your daily update for March 6.

We are committed to keeping you informed about our response to coronavirus. Here is your daily update.

We are committed to keeping you informed about our response to Coronavirus. Here is your daily update from March 4. 

We want to keep you updated on our response to Coronavirus. Today, principals received lesson plans for grades K through 12 on communicable disease prevention. Principals will ensure that every student receives at least one lesson from this curriculum by Friday. 

A lottery was held on March 2 to select students for our secondary schools that require an application or a program transfer. This includes CHOICE Academy, Big Picture Schools, Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offered at Mount Rainier High School (MRHS).

Read a family message sent on March 2 about the coronavirus from Superintendent Susan Enfield. 

As Coronavirus continues to affect our region, we want to reassure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Here is how we are responding to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, keep students and staff safe and healthy, and minimize the impact on student learning. 

What is Highline doing to support student behavior and well-being? Ten schools will receive additional support for mental health, starting next fall.

In fall 2019, we launched a new middle school math curriculum to ensure students have the foundational skills necessary to be successful in algebra and beyond.

Highline Public Schools Superintendent Susan Enfield has been awarded the 2020 Women in School Leadership Award by the American Association of School Administrators.

You nominated them, now let's celebrate them. The Highline Schools Foundation announced this year's Gold Star Awards nominees. Winners will be celebrated at the Gold Star BASH on Tuesday, March 10. Each winner will receive a $500 award. Winners will also be celebrated at the Foundation’s Gold Star fundraising breakfast in April 17.

This fall, we asked students and families for input on what you value most about Highline and what we can do to make it better. Families shared their thoughts on a wide range of topics.

Highline and the Port of Seattle intend to create a new high school focused on maritime jobs and environmentally-based career paths. 

Our school tour for community members on Wednesday, March 18 has been postponed. 

Do you speak, read, and write in more than one language? Are you looking to use your bilingual skills in the workforce, but need more training and support? Join us for an information session about our Bilingual Teaching Fellows program on Thursday, February 27.

The tentative first day of school for the 2020-21 school year will be on Thursday, September 3, for grades 1-12.

We want to share information we received this afternoon from the King County Department of Health regarding the coronavirus, the new virus that is spreading in China.

Athletic programs at Evergreen, Highline and Tyee high schools will join the KingCo League starting in fall 2020. 

Our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) reviewed data on current student enrollment and 10-year enrollment projections at their January meeting. Read a meeting summary and find out their next steps to prioritize our backlog of school construction needs.

Breakfast at school is critical for students who don’t get regular meals at home. But not every student is able to make it to school early enough to stop by the cafeteria for breakfast. That’s why we give students options. Thanks to a new vending machine at Tyee High School, students can grab breakfast on the go--before school or between classes. 

Evergreen High School students are getting fresh, wholesome snacks thanks to FEEST, an organization led by youth of color in South Seattle and South King County working to improve health in our schools. Focusing on the need for more healthy, affordable and culturally relevant food at school, FEEST helps young people become leaders in making concrete changes in our food systems.

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. Spread the word... now is the time to register for kindergarten. 

The snow make-up day for Tuesday, January 14, will be Tuesday, May 26. 

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

2019 marked a year of school construction milestones for you, our Highline community. Here are our top 12 picks in the order they happened last year.

Project Update | Highline High School
Site cameras captured construction progress at Highline High School during the first week of January 2020.

Starting in January 2020, we will offer online enrollment to new families enrolling in Highline. Online enrollment will launch on Tuesday, January 21. 

This year the Highline Schools Foundation awarded close to $124,000 in Excel and Impact grants. Foundation members spent the last two months on Prize Patrol, visiting staff meetings to surprise staff with oversized checks.

Winter break is an opportunity to have a well-deserved break from school and work. But it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. Learning at home can be fun and easy—and a good change of pace from the classroom. Here are eight simple ideas you can do together or encourage your child to do over break.

Seniors, now is the time to apply for a Highline Schools Foundation scholarship. The Foundation is offering more than $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. Scholarships can be used at colleges, universities and trade schools as long as students are enrolled full-time.

This week, students dove into computer science fun with Hour of Code, a movement dedicated to introducing young people to computer programming. Students programmed robots, learned about algorithms, coded virtual dance parties and much more. See the week's highlights.  

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact on our students and schools? The Highline Schools Foundation Gold Star Award nomination process is now open.

The Highline School Board has a new leader. During the December 4 board meeting, the board elected Angelica Alvarez as the new board president.

Highline Superintendent Susan Enfield is one of three superintendents who are finalists for the 2020 Women in School Leadership Award. The award is given annually by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. 

Design Update | Evergreen High School
 
Bassetti Architects kicked off the initial building design process with the Evergreen design committee. Find out more.

Design Update | Tyee High School
The building design process for Tyee High School kicked off on November 20! The small, working committee includes staff, family and community representatives. Find out more.

This January we are launching ReadyK!, a transitional kindergarten program for children who have not had access to a high-quality early learning experience. If you know of a family that may benefit from the program, urge them to apply.

About 30 Highline residents and stakeholders met this week to begin planning for future school bonds and construction. The Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) elected new co-chairs and brainstormed questions and information they need to make recommendations.

Want to get the most out of your student conference? Here are seven questions to ask during your conference. Use these questions to build a stronger partnership with your student’s teacher and school.

Making a decision about weather-related school closures and schedule changes is always difficult because so many different situations have to be considered. We do our very best to balance the many interests at stake, but we recognize that no matter what decision we make, it will not please everyone.

Ready for your review! You are invited to dig deep into data and track our progress using an interactive annual report.
 

We refinanced bonds sold in 2009, saving taxpayers $1.2 million in repayment costs. The savings will lower the amount of money that will be collected from taxpayers to pay off previously issued bonds. 

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington awarded us a three-year grant totaling $1.5 million to improve mental health support for students. The grant will increase our capacity to assess, implement and monitor mental health services. 

Congratulations to the nine newest members of the community-led bond planning committee. See whose names were drawn by lottery and the list of all 60 volunteers who submitted their names. In the end, the winners are... our students!

We want your feedback on how our schools are doing. Please join our online conversation to tell us what we are doing well and where we need to improve.

Our graduation rate is up for the sixth year in a row! The class of 2019 graduated at 83.3%, an increase of more than two points over last year and more than 20 points since 2013. 

Students stole the show—even from the gleaming new building—at the Glacier Middle School Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting October 24. Read more about the event and see photos.

Highline Public Schools extended the lottery deadline to November 4 for residents to land a seat on the community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). Help prioritize schools Highline builds in the future!

You're invited! The Highline Indigenous Peoples Story, Film & Art Fest will take place on November 23 at the Highline Heritage Museum. 

Election day is Tuesday, November 5. You can read about all the important issues in the voter pamphlet or online. See a list of ballot measures and candidates. Voting in this election is all by mail.
 

We're piloting a systemwide approach to instruction on race and identity at a few of our schools this year. Join us on October 30 to learn about the work to date and contribute your voice to the work moving forward.

Superintendent Susan Enfield is the inaugural winner of the Systems Changemaker award from Teach for America (TFA) Washington.

You could be one of 40 parents, staff and residents working together to identify which schools we re-build in the future. Submit your name to the lottery for open seats on the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). 

Highline School Board President Bernie Dorsey is the recipient of the 2019 Laura Smith Brown Children’s Champion Award. Parent Trust for Washington Children selected  Dorsey for the award to recognize his work as founder of the Conscious Fathering program.

The principals of Evergreen, Tyee and Pacific are forming building design committees who will work with the architects during the initial phase of design for their proposed new buildings. Application deadline is Oct. 16.

We have a new online tool and mobile app that allow families and students to check grades, attendance and other information.

Librarian Karen Smith and 5th grade student Sahiba Minhas helped Principal Rick Wisen and district leaders cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Des Moines Elementary School. 300+ community members toured the new school.

See our graduation dates for the class of 2020. Due to construction at Highline Memorial Field, graduations will be held at ShoWare Center for Highline, Evergreen and Tyee high schools. 

Highline Public Schools wants to show appreciation to our senior citizens for their longtime support of our schools. Our Highline Gold Pass provides free admission to middle and high school home games and school performances. To qualify, you must be 65 or older and live within Highline Public Schools boundaries.

Highline was selected by DonorsChoose.org as one of its first partner school districts. The official partnership between will help ensure funding goals are in sync with district strategy and operations.

We are launching a process to select new materials for K-12 Language Arts and want you to be part of the process. Committees will form a process for how materials are evaluated, the frequency of material updates as well as review materials (books, resources and/or guides) for teachers to use.

Highline is one of 81 districts across the nation recognized today as an Accomplished District by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 

Make your voice heard! Now is the time to register to vote. September 24 is National Voter Registration Day.

High school students and families are invited to COLLEGECON—a free one, day learning experience for high school students and families. Engage in interactive workshops about college and career options, how to apply and pay for college and more. 

Please join us on September 25 at 7:00 p.m. to share your thoughts and participate in a community conversation on how to create a better future for special education in Washington state. 

Please join us for an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, followed by a tour of the new Glacier Middle School. Save the date and RSVP!

We're back! The 2019-20 school year is officially underway.

Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college and at work. Students can suffer academically if they miss 10% of the school. That's just one day every two weeks. 

The Grand Opening Celebration for your new Des Moines Elementary School is September 26. Find out more and RSVP to save a seat.

Please be advised we are closing all schools and the Family Center to allow all staff to participate in the Highline Equity Symposium.

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

The Highline/Wesley Homes Intergenerational Montessori Preschool was recognized by District Administration magazine. The national recognition honors school districts that are leading the way with new ideas that solve challenges. 

Children turning 5 years old on or before August 31 can start kindergarten in the 2019-20 school year. Register your incoming kindergartener to have access to free kindergarten readiness programs and materials.

ECEAP is free for eligible families and children that have turned 3 or 4 by August 31.

Starting in fall 2019, we are taking a new approach to middle school math to ensure students have the foundational skills necessary to be successful in algebra and beyond. We are introducing a new math curriculum, and the course sequence will be different than before.

Six community members and experts keep an eye on our 2016 school bond projects and finances. We provide quarterly reports to the Oversight Committee and the school board. Get the status on every bond project and other capital projects in this report summary. We're on target with the 2016 school bond.

The 2016 bond included funds to jumpstart the designs of Evergreen and Tyee high schools and Pacific Middle School. The first step was to select architects for each school. Done! 

Our community-led bond planning committee recommended the next school bond to the school board in a June 26 work session.

Check out the modified summer hours for Central Office.

Four of our seniors took a step back before they walked across the graduation stage. Each visited their elementary school to surprise a teacher and say thank you for the lasting impact they made. We captured these special and heartfelt moments on video to share with you. 

Our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) members plan to recommend to the school board on June 26 that the next school bond include rebuilding Evergreen and Tyee high schools and Pacific Middle School.

Chinook Middle School physical education teacher Reid Sundblad is the 2019 Regional Teacher of the Year, representing King and Pierce counties. This honor makes Sundblad a candidate for the Washington State Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced this fall.

Highline children can eat free breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the summer through the federally funded Simplified Summer Food Program. The program provides funding for several of our schools to serve children living in South King County. 
 

You know your child best! Please help us support your student by completing our online survey for middle and high school families.

We are honoring and celebrating our retiring employees. Forty-four Highline staff members are retiring (or have already retired) this school year. 

The Board of Directors will hold a public budget hearing on Wednesday, June 19 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

With the close of the legislative session, we now have a clearer budget picture for 2019-20. State lawmakers made some modifications to the McCleary funding plan that help us. However, enrollment is still declining, and that means a decline in state funding.

Our strategic plan names ambitious academic goals, including a goal for at least 19 out of 20 students to graduate prepared to choose their future. Why aim so high? Because our students are worth it, and they are capable of it.

This summer, North Hill Elementary and White Center Heights Elementary schools each will get an additional permanent building housing new classrooms and restrooms. Early site work began in late May.

Ongoing hard work and dedication are paying off at Hilltop Elementary and Raisbeck Aviation High School. The schools have been honored as State-Recognized Schools for 2017-18 through Washington State's new school recognition program.

On Wednesday, May 15 the Highline School Board approved the adoption of new social studies and math curricula. Students will begin using the new instructional materials in fall 2019.

You are invited for a last tour and celebration of the old Highline High School at HHS Alumni & Community Day from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

Due to snow days, the schedule for the last week of school has changed.

In a place where so many teachers are rockstars, it's hard to pick out just a few. We want you to meet some of our teachers who earned extra star status this year from someone who especially admires their commitment to know every student by name, strength and need. 
 

Each day, Nicole Jones strives to be the best role model possible for her students by setting high standards and being an advocate for both students and families. Nicole is also a role model for her teaching peers. This is one of the many reasons why Nicole is our Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Kelly Morris' dedication to high standards, the education profession and unconditional love for her students are just some of the many reasons she is our Rookie Teacher of the Year. 

Highline families and staff expect high standards for school communications. Superintendent Susan Enfield shares those high expectations and has invested in a strong communications program for engaging our diverse community.

Because of her leadership in strategic and innovative school communications, Dr. Enfield is the recipient of the 2019 Crystal Apple Award from the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA).

You may have seen in the news that state lawmakers raised the cap on local levies, which was lowered as part of the McCleary school funding plan.The increase in levy dollars will reduce--but not eliminate--the budget shortfall we face for 2019-20.

Members of the community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) are close to recommending a dollar amount for the next school construction bond. Read about their April 24 meeting and find out when the next meeting is.

Thank you to all who participated in this conversation. We invite everyone to explore the priorities and ideas provided about our upcoming high school schedule change.

We invite staff, students and community members to submit proposals to present sessions at our 2019 Equity Symposium.

We want all students to graduate bilingual and biliterate. What does that mean? And why is it important? Mastering more than one language is a tremendous advantage in today’s world.

A new series from national nonprofit Education Resource Strategies (ERS) profiles eight school systems serving high populations of low-income, black and Latinx students–including Highline Public Schools–that are gaining traction across a variety of measures, including student performance, graduation rates, and support for teachers and school leader

The Superintendent's Family Action Committee (FAC) has been active for 6 years and is highly regarded as a committee that brings the parent/family voice to a variety of district strategies and practices.  

See views of the exterior of the new Glacier Middle School--from every side.

You are invited to be part of the ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of our Olympic Interim site on Thursday, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. Or drop by from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. for the open house.

You are invited to a farewell open house June 1 for the current Des Moines Elementary building, which has been a school since 1925.

Take a photo tour of the new Des Moines Elementary with Principal Rick Wisen.

This week, nearly 250 education leaders from across the country toured our schools as part of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools.

You are invited to tour the renovated Olympic Interim Site on Thursday, May 2, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines. A family meeting for incoming HHS 9th-grade students and families begins at 6:00 p.m.

Technology plays a huge role in the lives of our students–and we believe students should have equitable opportunities to access technology. But our job as educators goes way beyond making sure students master the hardware and software of today's technology.

Bayley Construction shared this aerial photograph with us of their progress building Glacier Middle School... from a bird's eye view.

More locks are coming soon. Voters funded the 2016 school bond, which set aside money for improved security, including safer interior and exterior door locks. Here is an updated timeline and list of schools.

The Highline Schools Foundation announced the winners of the 2019 Gold Star Awards at the annual Gold Star Awards BASH on March 14. The Highline community gathered to root on the award nominees. Congratulations to all the Gold Star winners and nominees. You make us all Highline Proud! 

Staff and community members from across the district are talking and crunching numbers to finalize priorities and construction budgets for the next school bond.

Curious counselors and teachers from Highline High School checked out the Olympic Interim site in February. The renovation is almost done. Here are photos so you can preview. Watch for an Open House announcement!

We want students to receive all scheduled time for instruction, so we will not apply for a waiver for the February snow days.

Our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) met on February 27. They reviewed photos of the aging buildings they toured and started looking at baseline costs for replacing the three schools that will begin the design process this year. 

Highline Public Schools will adopt new materials for social studies and math--and we want your input! New instructional materials will be selected for kindergarten-8th grade math and 6th-11th grade social studies. You’re invited to drop by an open house to learn more about the instructional materials under consideration.

All 11th-grade students will participate in FutureU on Wednesday, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. at Green River College.

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, Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offered at Mount Rainier High School (MRHS).

We want all students to see themselves as successful learners, and we believe in their ability to be successful across every grade and subject area.

We want to know what courses and/or topics you would like to see added to high school course schedules. We have two opportunities for families to provide feedback. Your feedback will help us plan course offerings as well as consider future graduation requirements.

Wondering when summer break will start this year? Here are answers to some of the questions.

The Highline High School (HHS) project is right on schedule according to Bassetti Architects. They met with community members to share the final design and next steps. 

Community members spent four hours touring several of our older school buildings on Saturday, February 2.

Deadline extended! High school students now in 9th- and 10th-grade who are affected by boundary changes may opt to stay at their current high school through graduation.

Hundreds of 5th- and 6th-grade families in Highline learned about moving up to middle school this month at more than 10 information nights around the district. Find out what you missed and next steps for families, students and staff.

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

Measles has spread in Washington, and health officials urge immunization. The Washington State Department of Health reminds people to take precautions to help stop the spread of measles.

Students are more successful when they feel welcome and happy at school. Research shows that academic achievement increases when social and emotional needs are met.

It’s a big ask, but Highline’s volunteer school bond planners are up to the task. Our Capital Facilities Advisory Committee meets each month to work on recommendations for future school construction needs in our district. Find out what they are learning and talking about.

Households of furloughed employees may be eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits.

Superintendent Susan Enfield is being recognized for engaging the community and partnering with the Highline Schools Foundation to raise financial resources for schools and students. She will receive the 2019 Superintendent of the Year award from the National School Foundation Association. 

Watch the crew from Bayley Construction and Ironworkers Local 86 raise the last piece of steel high in the air and place it with precision under the roof of Glacier Middle School in SeaTac.

To make your voice heard in next month's election, be sure to register to vote by Monday, January 14.

In the annual election of school board officers, Bernie Dorsey was elected president and Angelica Alvarez was elected vice-president.

As we begin 2019, we renew our deep commitment to our strategic plan, which challenges us to embrace bold goals for every student. The plan is centered on Our Promise, lays out five goals for students and is supported by our foundation.

More than half of Highline schools are getting recognized for healthier eating and fitness. Thirteen schools earned awards in the HealthierUS Schools Challenge this year, while four schools’ awards were renewed.

Grants totaling more than $122,000 are going to teachers this month. The Highline Schools Foundation awarded two Impact Grants and 92 Excel Grants to teachers across Highline. The Foundation gave out more dollars this year than ever before

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, 2019.

If you want your student to attend a school other than their neighborhood school, submit a transfer request by February 1

Students starting sixth and seventh grade in September 2019 will move up to middle school together because our middle schools will expand to include three years. Families with students in fifth and sixth grade now are invited to learn about middle school and ask questions at family info nights starting in January!

We plan to adopt new materials in two content areas this year, and you can be part of the process.

Ready for your review! You are invited to dig deep into the data and review our progress in our online, interactive 2017-18 Annual Report.

Highline Public Schools has changed school boundaries and feeder patterns for fall 2019. Use our on-line tool to look up your fall 2019 neighborhood schools. Learn more.

Our Arts program has launched a survey to get feedback from families, students and staff about the types of arts programming you want to see in our schools.

Native Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, languages and histories of our Native students and their families. This month, and every month, we celebrate the important contributions made by our country's first peoples that have shaped our community.