District News

We want to provide you with an update on the cyber incident and timeline for getting our schools back online.  

Join the Highline Schools Foundation on Thursday, October 24 for the third annual Winter Warm Up, a cozy evening of comfort food and community. Show your support for the Foundation and help raise funds for basic needs programs across Highline Public Schools.

This summer, we installed a new concrete ramp to provide ADA access to the main entrance and school office at Hilltop Elementary.

Sylvester Middle School students and community members gathered this month to celebrate a new soccer mini pitch and track and field. See photos.

Read headlines about what to know about social media threats, how families can support school safety efforts, School Board meetings and more.

Our construction teams are making exciting progress at the site of the new Tyee High School in SeaTac. The project remains within budget and on target to open for school in September 2025, with staff move-in slated for next August.  

Families play a vital role in school safety. Learn how you can take proactive steps now and respond effectively during emergencies. By working together, we can help keep our students safe. 

Social media threats can cause unnecessary fear and disrupt our schools. We ask families to report threats directly to law enforcement, not repost them. Talk with your student about the serious consequences of making threats, even as a joke. Together, we can protect our schools and community.

Two individuals in our Highline community have reported that they were targeted by kidnapping scams. We are sharing information to help our families and staff stay vigilant and safe. 

This week's Highline Headlines includes seven items with information for Highline families and students.

Future Ready Fest, originally scheduled for September 25 at Highline High School, is postponed. Due to the ongoing cyber incident investigation, we currently don’t have full access to the systems needed to provide the best support for students. We will share the new date as soon as it is confirmed. 

Following the water damage caused by vandalism in May, we’ve been working closely with our contractors, consultants, and insurance representatives to finalize the clean-up and remediation plans. We are pleased to share that the new Evergreen High School remains on track to welcome students in September 2025. 

We were notified of a social media post claiming a threat against multiple schools across the region, including some Highline schools. Out of an abundance of caution, the named schools will begin the day in a modified lockdown with increased security to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

This free, drop-in college and career resource fair is designed to guide high school students, especially seniors, through the next steps of their education and career journeys.

Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi Inslee, visited two elementary classrooms at McMicken Heights Elementary to witness firsthand Highline’s innovative inclusive education program. 

Even without the usual access to technology and resources, teachers and staff across Highline are finding creative ways to keep students engaged, inspired and learning. Your extraordinary heart and skill have deeply inspired Superintendent Ivan Duran during his visits to 10 schools this week.

To combat fentanyl-related overdose deaths and comply with new state legislation, we will be distributing Narcan to our elementary and middle schools. Our high schools have had this medication available for several years. School nurses, as well as identified staff, have received training on how to identify and respond to potential overdose situations. Read our policy and procedure and learn about laws.

Join School Board Director Melissa Petrini for an evening in celebration of National Literacy Month at the My Favorite Book Share & Exchange Event on Tuesday, September 24. Led by School Board Director Melissa Petrini, this event invites readers of all ages to come together, share their love for books, and discover new stories.

Read a message from Superintendent Duran to all Highline families as we navigate the challenges caused by the cyber incident.

The September 13 Highline Headlines include links to: an incident recap and timeline with a list of questions and answers, an invitation to fifth grade families to attend Waskowitz Open House on September 15, the School Board meeting schedule, and next week's meal menu.

Read a message from Superintendent Duran to all staff thanking you for your unwavering commitment to our students and families.

Here are important updates and instructions for staff about internet and device use. 

This week’s digital network incident has impacted every staff member, student and family. Thank you for your patience and trust as we continue to respond and communicate. Team Highline has shown creativity and dedication. In this update, we’ll walk you through our response timeline, answer your questions, and share the next steps.

We know you may have questions about this week's incident. Please see a list of frequently asked questions and answers on our Incident FAQs webpage.

Are you interested in developing your leadership skills, helping others, and gaining confidence outdoors? Consider becoming a High School Leader at Waskowitz! 

We have taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner. All schools will be OPEN on Thursday, September 12. See the plan for staff and families.

All schools will remain closed on Wednesday, September 11. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled. Central office is open. 

As previously shared, all schools will remain closed tomorrow, September 10, as we continue responding to unauthorized activity on certain systems within our network. We want to provide you with an update on the incident. 

Please read this message from Superintendent Ivan Duran to kindergarten families. 

All schools will remain closed on Tuesday, September 10. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled. Central office will be open.  

All schools are closed on Monday, September 9. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled. Central office is open. Vaccine clinic has moved to Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac.

We want to remind you of employee expectations when schools are delayed or closed, and how we communicate these changes. 

Absences Add Up! Learn why showing up matters.

This week's Highline Headlines include invitations for the Future Ready Fest, upcoming vaccine clinic, school board meeting as well as information about the Original Beverly Park building and next week's school meals. 

Learn eight facts about our emergency renovation of the Original Beverly Park Site, which opened for school on September 4. See photos of the move-in and first day of school.

The first day of school is here! Our schools are alive with energy and excitement as we welcome students to the 2024-25 school year. Watch our first-day-of-school video and read a special message from Superintendent Ivan Duran. 

Wednesday, September 4 is the first day of school for grades 1-12. As a reminder, Friday, September 6, is a regular, full school day for students. Half-day Fridays will begin Friday, September 13. 

Highline Headlines is our news bulletin for students and families. This week news updates included: #BacktoHighline is our social media tag for the first day of school, our Back-to-School Checklist, our online tool to check bus routes, a vaccine clinic, the school lunch menus for next week and more!

Highline Public Schools in partnership with Go-Vax Kids are offering free routine immunizations and a COVID vaccine clinic. Get your student up to date on their immunizations. New Location: Matt Griffin YMCA!

Members of our Capital Projects Oversight Committee met in August for their quarterly review of our bond spending and construction progress. After the committee reviewed financial statements and asked questions, the consensus was, “Good job, guys, for staying on top of it!”

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about building closures on August 27, ParentSquare, our Non-discrimination Statement, official notices, student rights and responsibilities, accident insurance, and more.

Enjoy photos from August of our progress at the new Tyee High School construction site!
 

Several sites received roofing improvements this summer with funding from the 2022 school bond for critical needs. Roof projects were completed at Hilltop Elementary, Chinook Middle School and several of our Maintenance buildings.

Brick siding and window panes are sparkling on the new Evergreen High School. Enjoy the latest aerial and site photos from August!

Join us September 6 to celebrate two exciting additions at Sylvester Middle School: a new synthetic field and track — and a soccer mini pitch in partnership with RAVE Foundation, the charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC.

What’s all the construction activity at the Original Beverly Park Elementary School Site at 11427 3rd Avenue South?

Stay effortlessly connected and informed about your child's school life. Download ParentSquare! ParentSquare keeps families informed and encourages engagement and connection across Highline. Log in and customize your experience. Set your notification preferences and choose your preferred language to stay connected in the best way for you.

The countdown to a new school year is underway. We are buzzing with excitement! As we pack away our summer gear, it’s time to get ready for the year ahead. Here is a Back-to-School Checklist to help you start the year with confidence.

In support of our students and families we have partnered with Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co, a national student medical insurance administrator, to offer all families access to a low cost, voluntary student accident and sickness insurance program.

Innovation Heights Academy and Highline Virtual Academy will move to the Old Beverly Park Site, following the fire at the Southern Heights Site in July. 

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about an August 9 immunization clinic, registering to vote, a lottery for open seats on our Capital Facilities Advisory Committee, and the next school board meeting.

Feast your eyes on our new synthetic turf at Highline Memorial Field!

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about registering to vote and how to return your election ballot for the August 6 primary election. It also includes a reminder that our 2024-25 and 2025-26 school calendars are online, and to register for school sports now!

We have an update on the extent of the damage from the recent fire at our Southern Heights site.

Here is a look at the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school calendar! These calendars have been approved by our Highline Education Association (teachers union) members. These dates and breaks will be reflected on our website calendar.

Our Southern Heights site was significantly damaged by a fire late Tuesday night. Southern Heights houses Innovation Heights Academy and Highline Virtual Academy.

Three schools in Highline Public Schools are earning state recognition for student growth or academic achievement in the 2022-23 school year. Two additional schools earned it for 2021-22. Both lists were released in June 2024 by OSPI.

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about free summer meals, Waskowitz and a reminder on registering for next year's sports. 

Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center will be set aside for school and public use, thanks to an agreement between the school district, Trust for Public Land and King County. A conservation easement will preserve Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center and 345 acres of surrounding forest.

Adina Thea, our director of elementary language learning & PreK-12 arts education, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship award for under-represented eduational leaders, toward her doctorate and superintendent certificate.

Congratulations to Kevin Takisaki, principal of Innovation Heights Academy, for being selected as the 2024 University of Washington John Morefield Mentor of the Year by the Danforth Educational Leadership Program. 

The Highline Communications Team received 12 awards in the 2024 National School Public Relations Association awards program. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team.

Members of the Capital Projects Oversight Committee received a quarterly project update and financial report on bond and non-bond capital projects.

Many work items were completed in May before and after the May 23 vandalism to the ductwork of the new Evergreen High School classroom building, and the resulting cleanup work. 

School Board members Azeb Hagos, Stephanie Tidholm and Joe Van toured the new Tyee High School construction site with several alumni who volunteer with Friends of Tyee. See what they saw!

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about free summer meals and schedule reminders. 

The construction site for the new Evergreen High School facility was vandalized on May 23. A water hose was inserted into duct work, flooding a significant portion of the structure.

Keep on learning! With interactive games, online libraries and engaging platforms, students can continue to expand their knowledge and skills throughout the summer months. Learn how to access our digital tools for students and resources for parents.

We celebrated a $250,000 grant from the Seattle Seahawks/NFL Foundation Grassroots Program at a groundbreaking ceremony. The grant will help fund the installation of a new synthetic turf field this summer at Highline Memorial Stadium. Find out what's new on the field!

As you enjoy the sunny season at pools, lakes, and shores, prioritize safety.

Seniors, there's still time to secure funding for college or training! Apply for financial aid through FAFSA or WASFA as soon as possible. The WA Grant is guaranteed for eligible students in Washington. Need help? Join us for assistance from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at various locations in July. Contact your College & Career Access Specialist for support.

Meet Yeiri Lopez, a Tyee High School senior who turned her multilingual talents into stepping stones and excelled academically to earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy. Yeiri's journey to master English showcases her hard work and the support of her teachers and peers.  

At Evergreen High School, students are connecting deeply with their culture and school through music. New this year are Mariachi classes at Cascade Middle School and Evergreen and Highline high schools. Experience the vibrant sounds, feel the rhythm and see the impact.

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about our family engagement survey, registration for next year's sports and more. 

Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of a Culture of Belonging, one of the four big goals in our strategic plan. In Highline, we are committed to ensuring that our LGBTQ+ students feel welcome, valued and safe. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Check out our graduation photos for each school, and inspiring stories about our seniors' achievements and future plans.

Join next year's sports by registering through FinalForms. Initial practices for middle and high school sports start as early as June 3, 2024. Register early and have time to complete physicals and documentation.

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about our family engagement survey, upcoming community events and water damage at the Evergreen High School construction project.

The annual Scholar-Athlete, Coach, and Community Recognition Event celebrated 16 graduating students who excelled in multi-sport athletics, academics, and community service. Meet our 2024 Scholar-Athletes!

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about our family engagement survey, upcoming community events, graduation reminders, a school schedule reminder and more. 

Take our first annual family engagement survey to share your experiences! Your feedback helps us improve and support our schools and students. The survey takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and is due by June 9. Participation is voluntary and confidential.

Get details about the 2024-25 district budget at a public meeting with the Highline School Board on Wednesday, June 5.

This week's Highline Headlines include information about upcoming community events, senior last day, no school reminder and more. 

We have seen an increase in threats to school safety posted on social media platforms or in text messages. We treat threats on digital media—and all threats—seriously. All threats are reported to Safety & Security and law enforcement and are investigated. Students may not be aware that posting a threat on social media, text, or any digital media is a crime that can carry serious legal consequences.

This week, McMicken Heights Elementary hosted a visit from leaders of state education departments from 14 states. The group of about 20 educators came to observe and learn how Highline has led the work of inclusive education.

School Board Directors Azeb Hagos and Melissa Petrini will host a community conversation on Tuesday, June 4 for families and students across Highline to talk about and learn more about student learning. 

The Highline Schools Foundation is awarding 47 graduating Highline seniors with scholarships totaling $372,500. See a list of this year's award recipients. 

School Board Director Stephanie Tidholm is hosting an event on Tuesday, May 28 for families and students in the White Center community to talk about and address safety in the community. 

In this week's headlines, read about our last day of school, helmet tips, next board meeting and our delicious menu. 

May is National Bike to School and Work Month. As you hop on your bicycles, please remember the importance of wearing helmets. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, bicycle helmets reduce head injury by 48% and serious head injury by 60%.

In this week's Highline Headlines we celebrate our school lunch heros! Read more headlines about the next school board meeting, next week's lunch menu, safety tips and more. 

The safety of our students and staff is always our first priority. We want to emphasize that we take every safety concern seriously. Whether it's something a student sees in the hallway, hears from a classmate, or reads in a private post on social media, we encourage students to speak up if they see or hear something that might be concerning.

Erin's philosophy is simple: every student deserves to feel valued. Each day, she begins her classes at Mount View Elementary with intention and dedication. Following a terminal diagnosis, her commitment to making an impact and creating a haven of belonging and learning has only deepened.

In the welcoming classrooms of Gregory Heights Elementary, Kristen O'Connor teaches students of all levels of need and ability. This approach cultivates compassion, respect, and friendship, supports all students’ academic growth and ensures that every student feels they belong.

Highline’s four comprehensive high schools and CHOICE Academy are beginning to test drive ideas for improving the high school experience. 

We look forward to celebrating our graduates this year. Ceremonies will be at ShoWare Center and the Highline Performing Arts Center. Please read arrival information for each venue. 

Hey seniors: The Highline Council Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) wants to give you a scholarship! They are currently seeking applications from high school seniors for its scholarship program, with awards ranging from $250 to $1,000. Apply by May 1. 

Evergreen students signed the last steel beam installed as part of construction for the new school building. Check out student Sean Williams’ photos of the signing event in our video that celebrates this exciting milestone with a 15-second timelapse of progress since last summer. 

Backhoes and bulldozers are hard at Sylvester Middle School installing a new synthetic turf field and a new track surface, plus a soccer mini-pitch and a restroom.

Be swept away in one minute by this virtual reality, drone-style video of what the new Pacific Middle School is going to look like.

This summer we start construction on a voter-approved, new Transportation Building, as part of the 2022 school bond

See photos and video of the construction making rapid progress at the new Tyee High School site in April. 

Members of our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) dove into enrollment projections and tax rates at their April 24 meeting. They are gathering the information they need to recommend which schools be rebuilt in the next school construction bond.

This week's Highline Headlines include information about car seatbelt safety, upcoming board meetings, and two surveys to share your feedback on next year's meals and health curriculum. 

Highline School Board Vice-President Joe Van has been named to the board of the Success Foundation, the charitable arm of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation's primary goal is to bridge gaps in the school-to-work pipeline, with a focus on education, workforce development, and community enhancement.

We can’t wait to meet our new students! Kindergarten is a big milestone for your child, filled with new adventures, learning opportunities and probably some nerves too. Jump Start helps ease that transition. It’s a three-day program in August for children entering kindergarten in September.

This week's headlines include information about updated COVID guidance, ECEAP enrollment event, a meal survey, narcan at elementary and middle schools and more. 

Classrooms at Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) mirror real-world workplaces—be it repairing cars in an auto body shop, serving guests at the Class Act Restaurant, or seeing patients in a state-of-the-art dental clinic. With 19 diverse programs, PSSC prepares high school juniors and seniors for their chosen futures through specialized career and technical training.  Students can earn industry certifications and college credits while they’re in high school. Here’s a look at two of PSSC’s popular programs, Dental Assisting and Culinary Arts & Sciences.

As we plan for next school year we are seeking input from students, families and community members. This feedback will help us determine the types of meals that resonate with students and what brings them in to eat a school meal. Take the survey by May 8.

The Washington State Department of Health has updated its guidance for what to do when you are sick with COVID. Under the new guidance, the same measures are applied to COVID as to other respiratory viruses. This change reflects the preventive and treatment measures we have for COVID that did not exist when the pandemic began. We now have the protection of vaccines and natural immunity, as well as antiviral medications and other treatments.

To combat fentanyl-related overdose deaths and comply with new state legislation, we will be distributing Narcan to our elementary and middle schools. Our high schools have had this medication available for several years. Response training will be provided to school nurses and identified staff, as well as general training to all staff. Read our policy and procedure, learn about laws, and access classroom lessons.

Building good attendance habits early is key to success. Students can suffer academically if they miss 10% of the school year, or about 18 days. That's just one day every two weeks. 

This week's Highline Headlines include information about walking safety, fentanyl awareness, the next school board meeting and next week's meals. 

The latest edition of the Workforce Turnover Report shares findings from employees who have left or retired from Highline. It aims to spark conversations and actions by examining turnover patterns, survey feedback, and experiences shared by former staff. Join a community conversation around the report details on April 23. 

Spring break is from April 1-5. Read more details about our 2024-25 tentative calendar, Waskowitz leader program for high school students and more. 

The Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center is looking for high school students to be a counselor for the elementary outdoor school program. There are 8 weeks to choose from this spring. 

The Highline Schools Foundation announced the winners of its 2024 Gold Star Awards, highlighting the outstanding efforts of Highline educators, staff, volunteers and alumni. These eight individuals live the Highline Promise to know every student by name, strength and need, so that our students graduate prepared for the future they choose. 

In Highline, we teach comprehensive sexual health education in alignment with state law and district policy.  FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) is our curriculum that meets state requirements for sexual health education, which is taught in grades 4-12. Families may opt out of any or all sexual health lessons. Read on for more details. 

Attending school has a big impact on student success. Here are six tips for getting to school and learning more.

Ironworkers are busy erecting the structural steel bones of the new Tyee High School this month. See exciting progress in construction site photos.

Read headlines about the Career Showcase for juniors and seniors, Schools of Choice applications, information nights, celebrating our seniors and more! 

In March, school board and cabinet members, as well as two alumni and a state representative, toured the Evergreen High School construction site to get a first-hand view. They seemed delighted with progress, new features and the warmth of the three-story mass timber academic building. See what they saw.

Read headlines about text notifications, sexual health education, the importance of attendance, Waskowitz opportunities, meals and more. 

Juniors and Seniors: Sign up to attend the Career Showcase at ShoWare by March 22. Learn about career opportunities with over 75 companies. Bring your resume! 

Do you know a high school student interested in strengthening their leadership skills and exploring career pathways in education, teaching, counseling or environmental science? Waskowitz is seeking Highline students to serve as high school leaders in May.

Making sure your child is in school every day is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. The goals outlined in our strategic plan are four reasons why attendance matters

During Education Support Professionals Week, we celebrate the vital support staff at Highline, from bus drivers to paraeducators and custodians, who are essential to our daily success. Their dedication ensures a safe, supportive, and thriving educational environment for all. 

No school tomorrow, Friday, March 8. Read more headlines about giving input on materials, King County elections, PSSC open house, a mental wellness event, school board meetings and next week’s meals.

The two general contractors building our new high schools hosted a group of almost 50 students from our CORE PLUS Construction programs for a hands-on learning experience last month. They visited the Northwest Carpenters Institute, a state-of-the-art training facility in Burlington. The field trip included students and teachers from Evergreen, Tyee and Highline high schools!

Read about our budget outlook, an opportunity to give feedback on biology and health materials, a school construction update and next week’s meals.

Innovation Heights Academy is transforming student lives with a new program model that emphasizes credit recovery, wellness, and interest-driven learning.  In the first year of the new school, students and staff are already seeing the results. See how the school ensures its students are seen, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.

Hey, juniors*! Ready to dive into your future? Join us on March 27 for FutureU at Green River College, a field trip designed to give you a glimpse into life after high school options. Explore a world of opportunities waiting for you beyond graduation.

Eight million dollars is a lot to cut from our district budget. What will that look like and feel like next year when those reductions are real? 

While the cuts are concentrated in central office, reductions to central positions and services will have some impact at the school level. 

Tyee seniors in Rose Johnson's Civics class got a visit from SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal this week. Mayor Egal shared his insights on serving as an elected local government official.

Get details about budget reductions for 2024-25 when our Business Services staff briefs the school board at a work session on Wednesday, March 6, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. 

The work session is open to the public. The community is invited to attend or watch online. 

John Taitano walked onto the Tyee job site last fall to ask if Absher Construction was hiring. He already had a construction job, but this was his old high school and close to home. Read about our priority hire program at the Tyee construction project.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing leads from Highline's Facilities team were invited to review the Pacific Middle School design. Read our February project update.

Our Capital Projects Oversight Committee learned about our construction progress and examined a quarterly financial report for our 2016 and 2022 bond projects at the February 13, 2024 meeting. 

Progress is getting visible and exciting at the new Tyee High School construction site where you can see the first walls rising into the air. Check out the photos and read more details.

FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) is our adopted curriculum that meets state requirements for sexual health education. You are invited to an education night to review the curriculum materials and learn more about state requirements on March 25. 

Learn about our budget outlook for next school year at the board work session, check out our new intercom cameras, read about cyber kidnapping and attend the open houses at Waskowitz and PSSC.  

Catch up on Evergreen High School construction progress through the third week of February. Feast your eyes on more photos of the new school buildings, see next steps and check out inclusive hiring data provided by the contractor.

The installation of security intercom cameras is complete or in progress at the main entrances of our schools. Office staff will be able to see and talk to external visitors from their workstation, before unlocking the main door. This system was funded by the 2016 school bond.

Highline Schools Foundation unveiled the 2024 Gold Star Award nominees.This year, 156 nominations were made (for 118 individuals) representing 36 schools, programs, and departments across Highline. The Foundation will celebrate all nominees and announce the winners at the Gold Star Bash on Wednesday, March 27

Safety is our number one priority. Two elementary schools in the Bellevue School District recently reported cyber kidnapping incidents. Cyber kidnapping is a new scam where families are tricked into paying money by making them think a loved one is in danger. Although no cases have been reported in Highline, we are sharing information to help our families stay vigilant and safe.

Our Business Services staff will brief the school board on our financial picture for the 2024-25 school year at a work session on Wednesday, March 6, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. The work session is open to the public. The community is invited to attend or watch online.

No School on Monday, February 19. Read more headlines about the PSSC open house FutureU, School Board meetings, the family income survey and next week’s meals. 

Each year in February, we recognize the contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history. Black History Month is an appropriate time to acknowledge that schools have not done a good job of teaching our full American story.

The inclusion of diverse voices in our national story is critical not just for students of color, but for all students. 

Every day, students walk to and from school, their bus stops, or just around the neighborhood. Reminding your kids about these safe walking tips helps keep them safe.

If you have a child who will be 5 years old by August 31, it's time to think about kindergarten. The 2024-25 school year is just around the corner, and believe it or not, now is the time to enroll.  

Chief Communications Officer Catherine Carbone Rogers intends to retire on June 30.

Read about our upcoming budget cuts, our winter job fair, our Gold Star nomination process and next week’s meals. 

Highline is projected to see another enrollment decline next school year. We anticipate enrollment of around 16,391 FTE next year, down 224 from this year. Fewer students means a decrease in state funding for 2024-25.

This February, we're diving deep into the stories that make Black history a pivotal part of America's narrative.

If you spend time at McMicken Heights Elementary, chances are you will meet fourth-grader Seth Bobbitt. His laugh is contagious. His curiosity is infectious. School is his happy place. Seth was born with Down syndrome. His family wanted a school experience where Seth could learn, play and grow alongside his peers. That's exactly what they found at McMicken Heights.

Seventh-grader Sarah Huo’s days are filled with laughter, learning, and a deep sense of belonging at Highline Virtual Academy (HVA). In a recent interview, Sarah shared her experiences and aspirations, providing a glimpse into her life as a virtual student.

Highline is facing budget cuts of $8 million for next school year. We are looking first for reductions to central office expenses to avoid direct cuts to schools as much as possible.

Former Highline School Board Director Tom Slattery passed away on January 22 after battling lung disease. Tom served four terms on the Highline School Board from 1990 to 2006. 

Highline's graduation rate increased for the second year in a row, reaching the highest rate in more than a decade. The overall graduation rate for the Class of 2023 is 84.8 percent. That's an increase of 22.5 percentage points since 2013.

No School Friday for grades 6-12. Pk-5 will follow their regular Friday schedule. Read about our school board meetings, tips to stay healthy, Schools of Choice deadline, screen time at school and next week’s meals.

We use technology to make learning better. We think about how and why we use screens in school, focusing on active screen time, where students use their brain and body vs. just passive screen time. Tools like Chromebooks and iPads help everyone learn in their own way. 

This week's Highline Headlines include information about scholarships for seniors, sexual health curriculum, Waskowitz open house, jobs, safety and next week’s meals.

In Highline, we teach comprehensive sexual health education in alignment with state law and district policy.  FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) is our curriculum that meets state requirements for sexual health education, which is taught in grades 4-12. Families may opt out of any or all sexual health lessons. 

WELS (Waskowitz Environmental Leadership & Service) is cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders, and our students are at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Sometimes our schools might lose phone and internet service. When there is an outage, here is what you need to know to keep everyone safe and learning on track.

January is School Board Recognition Month. Let's take this opportunity to thank our five school board directors for dedicating their time to leading our schools. Congratulations to newly elected members board President Angelica Alvarez and Vice President Joe Van and the newly elected members Melissa Petrini, Stephanie Tidholm, and Azeb Hagos.

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, January 17. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal.

No school on Monday, January 15. Read more Headlines, including schools of choice, meals, health tips and remembering a beloved principal.

We are deeply saddened to share that Valley View Early Learning Center Principal Kym Nelson passed away. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highline High School Auditorium. 

Shape your tomorrow by choosing your path for the 2024-25 school year today. Whether through maritime studies, aerospace exploration, virtual learning, or your neighborhood school—you have choices. Attend an information night this January to explore educational options through Highline’s Schools and Programs of Choice.

Winter weather is in the forecast for later this week. This may force a change in the normal school schedule-—even for students who attend virtual programs. We want you to be prepared and know where to get information. 

A small group of appointed community members and industry professionals meet quarterly to keep an eye on our bond-funded capital projects. Read a summary of the December 5 meeting of the Capital Projects Oversight Committee.

A lot of care is being poured into preparing strong foundations below the new Tyee High School in SeaTac. Read our progress report and see photos.

Design Review Committee members checked out the latest progress on the school design November 30, marking a significant milestone in the Pacific Middle School replacement project. Read about some design features and next steps.

A tall crane towers over the Evergreen High School construction site as the structures of the new buildings rise from the ground. Read our construction progress update for November/December and see more photos.

This week's edition of Highline Headlines includes information about school meals, new school board members, Winter Break, learning tips, a job fair, and fire alarms.

Do you know a young person who wants to become a firefighter? They can start their journey at Puget Sound Skills Center. Students in the PSSC Fire & Emergency Services program practiced their skills this month in this controlled Christmas tree burn.

Highline welcomes three newly-elected school board members: Directors Azeb Hagos, Melissa Petrini and Stephanie Tidholm.

At Maritime High School, students don't just learn about the sea, they learn on it. From fighting simulated fires in full gear to navigating the waves aboard the Admiral Jack ferry, this school merges classroom learning with hands-on experience. Maritime High School prepares students for a future in a vital industry facing a workforce shortage. Open to all, this school is a beacon for those drawn to maritime careers, providing not just education but a direct route to meaningful, well-paying jobs.

Ensuring the safety of students and staff is our top priority. A key aspect of this commitment is understanding and adhering to safety protocols. Here is some information about fire alarms: what they do and what you should know.

Mariachi bands from Cascade Middle School, Evergreen High School and Highline High School put on a spirited show at Highline Performing Arts Center on Wednesday evening. Noche di Mariachi was the district's first-ever mariachi concert.

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.

You are invited to dig deep into data and track our progress using our interactive annual report. This year's report documents our progress towards our strategic goals for the 2022-23 school year, the final year of the strategic plan initially adopted in 2013 and updated in 2018.

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about our Annual Report, resources for Standards-based grading, High School Transitions Night and next week’s meals. 

All Highline schools are implementing a new instructional approach we are using across Highline: Standards-Based Instruction and Grading (SBI/G). Our grading web section has a lot of information about this new approach. We encourage you to review this information online to learn more. 

COLLEGECON is tomorrow! Read more  information about downloading the ParentSquare app, upcoming immunization clinics, bus safety and next week’s menu. 

ParentSquare offers an easy way to keep up-to-date with your child's school. Download the app to see school news and information, review upcoming events, direct message teachers, set your notification preferences and more.

School bus safety starts with students. Find out what they should do, how drivers keep them safe, and the importance of community support for secure school journeys

This month, we say farewell to two Highline school board directors whose terms of office are ending: Aaron Garcia and Carrie Howell.

We're excited to announce that we have a new logo. The students, staff, families and community who make up the Puget Sound Skills Center are champions of choice, and our new logo celebrates that. Our new branding reflects a modern school with a community dedicated to students shaping their futures through our career and technical programs.

“Josie is one of the most patient, kind-hearted people I have ever met and her love for her students and her job is truly inspiring."

Pk-5th grades have no school Nov. 20 to 24. 6th-12th grades have no school Nov. 22 to 24. Read more on how to prepare for weather school closures and ways to support your student’s learning.

At Highline, our goal is for everyone to feel they belong the moment they step through the doors. A Culture of Belonging is the first of four goals in our new strategic plan, “Living Our Promise.” Through the voices of our Superintendent’s Student Leadership Team, discover the difference a Culture of Belonging makes in fostering meaningful connections, self-confidence and academic success.

This year, Highline is implementing a new instructional approach standards-based instruction and grading (SBI/G). SBI/G measures your student's progress toward the learning goals for their grade. Here are seven ways families, parents and guardians can support students with their learning.

Shape your tomorrow by choosing your path for the 2024-25 school year today. Save the date for an upcoming school-specific information session to learn more about schools and programs you can apply to. Students entering high school can also get a taste of their options at a High School Transitions Event on December 13. 
 

This week's Highline Headlines includes information about report cards, CollegeCON, Schools of Choice info nights, family emergency planning and more. 

The ballots are in, but the votes are not all counted in the race for three open seats on the Highline School Board.

We are preparing students for a world that is very different from the one we entered as young adults. Think about how much change there has been in the ways we work, communicate, and access information. To truly prepare our students for their future, our comprehensive secondary schools are listening to students to help them evolve.  

The foundations of the two connected buildings that will be the new Evergreen High School are nearly complete. Watch for a crane to arrive later this month to begin erecting structural steel and mass timber.

We are getting creative to reduce waste by reusing Tyee High School building materials in the new school. And the first concrete was poured to start the foundations of the new school!

Our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) meeting on October 25 was well attended by energized new and returning members.

When we had an opportunity to purchase the former HiLine Lanes next door to our central office, another opportunity opened up: a new team sport for high school girls.

Reminder: No school on November 9 & 10. Read more headlines about Standards-Based Grading, election day on November 7, our work in secondary schools and information about the Maritime Expo this weekend.

Your child's report card will be distributed in the next few weeks. A report card communicates a student's learning progress during the grading period. All Highline schools are using standards-based grading (SBG) this year, and student’s scores will reflect this. 

Like districts across our region, we face significant budget cuts due to declining enrollment and the end of ESSER funding. For 2024-25, our focus is on ensuring that our expenditures support basic operations and the goals of our strategic plan.

The state sets standards for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.  Standards-based grading (SBG) measures a student’s learning of specific standards. Traditional grading gives students points for individual assignments or effort, but SBG shows a student's progress toward learning standards. SBG ensures that grades reflect a student’s academic performance and understanding of the material, rather than their behavior or effort. This results in a more accurate representation of a student’s abilities and progress.

McMicken Heights gained national recognition on the Inclusion Stories podcast for their exceptional efforts in integrating students with special needs into mainstream classrooms.

This week's Highline Headlines include information about how to ask your student what they are learning, free routine immunization clinics, photo opt out and much more. 

In shaping the future of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), we prioritized your voice. From 45 Community Advisory Sessions, clear themes emerged: a need for engagement, belonging, and recognition of each student's uniqueness. Students voiced a need for trust, connection, and tools to navigate challenges. Families, community and staff shared a need for collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and lessons on emotional well-being. These insights will guide our 2023-24 SEL framework, ensuring it's community-focused and student-centered.

Highline Public Schools is partnering with Stepping Stone Pediatrics to host two free vaccination clinics on November 2 and November 14. School-aged children can receive COVID, flu and childhood immunizations. No pre-registration is required. Please present vaccination records.

Have you recently asked your child, “How was school” and “Did you do your homework?” Here are some suggestions for other questions you may consider asking your child about school.

Cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of harassment, causing emotional and psychological distress among students. To provide guidance for students and families, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) offers the following tips and recommendations to ensure safe online interactions.

Navigating special education? Let our Special Education Family Liaison guide you. Get help with system guidance, collaborative problem-solving, IEP meeting support, language assistance, 
 

This week's Highline Headlines include information about Standards Based Grading, Media Literacy week, and a spotlight on safety. 

When you hear of a lockdown at your student's school, it's natural for your mind to race and for concern to set in. We understand that urge to ensure the safety of our young ones. However, it's important to know that lockdowns are often standard, precautionary measures rooted in our commitment to student safety. Read through to learn what scenarios might trigger a lockdown and tips you can take to keep students and staff safe.

Chief Operations Officer Scott Logan will retire at the end of June. Scott's contributions to the district over his 13 years of leadership include multiple school construction projects on time and on budget--and much more.

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) measures your student's progress toward the learning goals for their grade and course. This is a new instructional and grading approach all Highline schools are implementing this school year. Learn about some of the benefits to using SBG. 

Imagine what could happen for students if the entire community rallied around our Highline Promise to know every student by name, strength and need so that they graduate prepared for the future they choose? Our new strategic plan points the way.

Reminder, no school tomorrow! See more headlines about talking with students about world conflict, middle and high school grading, a Maritime expo and more. 

On Saturday, November 4, Maritime High School will be hosting a career expo for current and prospective students and their families to learn about maritime careers. Visit the jobs & resources booth to learn directly from the experts about career options, education pathways and salaries.

This week, our news media and social media are saturated with violent images of war in Israel and Gaza. Disturbing images and videos are especially prevalent on social media right now--especially on platforms used regularly by young people, including Instagram, YouTube and TicTok. 

The US Surgeon General reports that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face double the risk of poor mental health outcomes. As the digital world becomes increasingly entwined with our children's lives, understanding and addressing its impact is essential. See the latest findings, find conversation starters, and access resources to ensure your child's safe and informed online presence.

Last Friday, Governor Jay Inslee came to Highline High School to learn from the Highline Pirates Environmental Club stars about their successful solar panel project and their future plans.

The Pacific Design Review Committee met with Hutteball + Oremus Architecture to review the design progress. In other news, Skanska was selected as the general constructor and construction manager for the Pacific project.

Shape your tomorrow by choosing your path today. Whether through maritime studies, aerospace exploration, virtual learning, or your neighborhood school—students and families have choices. The application window for most Highline’s Schools and Programs of Choice is now open. Explore, learn more and apply! 

We asked Evergreen alum Khoa Nguyen what he learned during his internship with Cornerstone General Contractors at the Evergreen High School construction project this summer. Read his answers.

The old Tyee is tumbling down. Demolition is about halfway complete. Check out what's gone, what's left and see photos of the demolition in our Facebook post!

We welcome eight new members to our community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC). From a lottery drawing on September 28, eight were selected by service area from the names of 28 Highline residents who entered the lottery for open seats on the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee.

Here are some safety tips and reminders for families and students.

The Southern Heights site is the new home of Highline Virtual Academy (HVA)  and Innovation Heights Academy (formerly New Start High School). See photos of the updated spaces.

The 2022 bond is funding synthetic turf and a new track at Sylvester Middle School. Read about additional features, funding, environmental requirements and a revised timeline.

48° North: Maritime High School is featured in this article. "A groundbreaking and innovative partnership between Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime Center, and Seattle Maritime Academy has recently been established to help address the increasing need for maritime employees in the Pacific Northwest."

The Tyee High School village wore their hearts on their sleeves to celebrate on August 18! The Groundbreaking Ceremony marked the beginning of the construction project for a new modern high school in SeaTac! See the list of speakers and event photos.

Priority Hire grant directs Tyee High School construction jobs to more workers in local zip codes. Learn about the impacts of this $500,000 King County grant.

The summer sun is setting, and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air. It's that time of year again–back to school! Check out this back to school checklist to ensure you're prepared, excited and confident for the year ahead. 

Khoa Nguyen, Evergreen High School Class of 2020, snagged an internship with Cornerstone General Contractors to rebuild his own high school! He is entering his senior year at UW in civil engineering. Read his story.

Tyee Cares! More than 200 past, present and future students of Tyee High School took an emotional walk down memory lane Thursday evening at a drop-in goodbye event for the old school buildings. Enjoy our Facebook photo album!

After a thorough process of research, review, evaluation, piloting and community input, curriculum adoption committees recommended new instructional materials to the Highline School Board.

Get details and RSVP for two events to say goodbye to the old Tyee buildings and to celebrate the start of construction for a new Tyee High School.

Highline Public Schools has sold more than half of the bonds approved by voters in November 2022 for building and upgrading schools. Read more about market conditions and savings to taxpayers compared to estimates prior to the election.

Families of students with disabilities, you’re invited to share your feedback and experiences with us!

Environmental Club leaders Jordan Powers, Mikah Ramsey and Raidon Sann capped off their senior year with a celebration of a monumental achievement: a 285-panel, 100-kilowatt Environmental Club solar system is producing energy on top of the new Highline High School. It all started with a question in 2020 from Nha Khuc, a 2021 graduate. Find out more about the project, funders and results.

From the bus garage to the classroom and everywhere in between—Highline staff members inspire and support our students and families, ensuring students have what they need to graduate prepared for the future they choose. They serve with kindness, compassion and dedication. Hear their stories. 

Choice Schools offer a variety of alternative program options, each with its own specialized focus. Schools of Choice require an application. Select schools of choice have space available in the 2023-24 school year. They have reopened their application windows.

Voices cracked with emotion and jubilance during a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for a new Evergreen High School on May 19! Read more to see photos, final designs and construction information.

After months of conversations with students, families and staff, we are thrilled to unveil a new name for New Start High School: Innovation Heights Academy.