🚫 Mid-winter Break
There will be no school this Friday, February 14 for Mid-winter Break or on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents Day. Enjoy the four-day break!
🚪 Visiting Our Schools? Here’s the Check-In Process
We want every student, family, and staff member to feel welcomed, valued and safe. We have security procedures in place to protect everyone in our buildings. Security systems allow office staff to see and talk to visitors before unlocking the door — ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all.
📅 You’re Invited: Family University Workshops
Family University is an informational workshop designed to support families in navigating the public school system at both the state and district levels. Families will learn how to work with school staff, strengthen their connection with their child’s school, and find useful resources to stay involved. Register now for the February 18 session!
📢 New Safety Plan Launches in April
Starting April 14, we’re implementing a new emergency response plan, the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), to keep everyone safe and informed whether it’s a minor situation, a safety precaution or a serious emergency. With five easy-to-understand actions — Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter — the SRP helps students, staff and families know the right steps to take in any situation.
📝 An Update on Our Literacy Work
Literacy is one of our focus areas this year, and we’re seeing growth. Elementary students are building strong reading and writing skills, while secondary students engage with complex texts and expand their vocabulary. Secondary iReady scores show a 6% increase in students reading at grade level. Teachers use data and professional development to refine instruction, ensuring every student is prepared for their future.
📚 Give Input on Health Materials for Grades 6-12
We are piloting the Goodheart Willcox Health curriculum for grades 6-12, with plans for adoption pending a successful trial and board approval. The curriculum aligns with Washington State Health Learning Standards and is available online in English and Spanish. Sexual health is not included, as we continue using the King County FLASH curriculum. We invite you to review the materials and share your feedback by March 7.
🌟 Kindergarten Enrollment Starts February 18
Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's your neighbor, family friend or even your own child. Help us spread the word: families can enroll their incoming kindergarten student starting February 18 for the 2025-26 school year.
👂What We Heard: Community Feedback on Our Budget Development Process
Explore the results of January’s ThoughtExchange on our budget development process. More than 330 ideas were shared and rated nearly 13,000 times by 360 participants. A strong majority — 69% — reported having at least some knowledge of the budget development process. Check out the top themes and all submitted thoughts in our interactive report.
💻 SAT Testing: 11th Grade Students
Between March 10 to 28, 11th grade students will have the opportunity to take the SAT in school, during a regular school day. Your school will communicate your specific testing date. Even if you’re not planning to apply to college or only planning to apply to colleges that are test optional, the SAT can help you get to where you want to go. The SAT is delivered in a digital format that provides a better testing experience. See a video and check out free resources to help students get ready.
⛺Waskowitz Open House
Come see what Waskowitz has to offer our students. Learn more about outdoor school. You are invited to an open house at the Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center on Sunday, March 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 45505 SE 150th Street in North Bend, WA.
📅 School Board Meeting Schedule
You are welcome to join the Highline School Board and superintendent at a school board meeting. All school board meetings are held at the Central Office, 15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW in Burien, typically every other Wednesday, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on February 19. All regular board business meetings, work sessions and public hearings are public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
🥗 What’s Cooking Next Week for School Meals
School meals are available to all students at no cost this school year. Check out school menus online every Friday for the following week.