Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts

Dept of Ecology accepting applications for Waste Not Washington school awards

Monday, September 5, 2022

In 2022, the Washington state department of Ecology gave $100,000 in awards to 19 schools across the state to reduce waste and implement sustainable practices. 

They are now accepting applications for our 2023 School Awards program. 

Apply by September 30, 2022. 

The Waste Not Washington School Awards promote sustainability and reward school efforts to reduce waste, recycle, and teach environmental curriculum. A budget of $100,000 per year is available; each award provides up to $5,000.

We encourage schools to be environmental stewards for their students and communities. Across the state, schools are finding ways to carry out their educational missions in a less wasteful manner. These awards celebrate Washington schools for their environmental efforts and help fund their waste reduction projects.

Read about the recipients and learn more at http://ecology.wa.gov/SchoolAwards



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School Zone cameras begin September 7, 2022 in Lake Forest Park

Friday, September 2, 2022

By Diane Hettrick

School starts on September 7, 2022 and Lake Forest Park will be turning on their school zone cameras.
  • Monday through Friday 7:30am - 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm*
  • * Wednesday early release times are 7:30am - 9:30am and 1:00pm - 2:30pm
If you are not familiar with the schools in LFP, you may not realize how close you are to one.

First of all, believe any sign that says "school" and slow down whether lights are flashing or not.
Brookside Elementary. The roof is below the level of the street

If you are traveling on NE 178th, Brookside Elementary is in a gully on a large curve. 17447 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155.

Coming down the hill, the school is invisible until you are right next to it. Visibility isn't much better the other direction. But children do walk to school down the hill.

Lake Forest Park Elementary is not easily visible from 40th

Lake Forest Park Elementary is right on Ballinger Way, 18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, but the problem street is behind the school on 40th NE. 

Please be extra cautious in school zones, watch for pedestrians and busses. Also expect some delays during drop off and pick up times.

The purpose of the school cameras is to keep the children safe to and from their way to school. So slow down, and pay attention.



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Roots of Empathy looking for babies born in June, July, or August

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Roots of Empathy classroom volunteers
Do you have a baby who was born in June, July or August? Would you like to volunteer with your baby to help nurture empathy in children? 

Several Shoreline elementary schools are looking for parents with infants who are between 2-4 months old in October to volunteer about once per month during the school year.

What is Roots of Empathy?

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. 

The program has been widely evaluated across three continents for two decades and is proven to result in improved empathy, increased emotional understanding, decreased aggression and bullying and improved pro-social behavior among participating students. 

Research also demonstrates that these improvements are sustained and even strengthened over time.

Here is a brief introductory video that explains how Roots of Empathy works and why a baby is such a powerful teacher of empathy. Roots of Empathy was also recently featured on NBC’s Today – you can view that segment here.

If you would like to volunteer as a Roots of Empathy Family, please contact the Roots of Empathy Program Manager, Suz Fix, at sfix@rootsofempathy.org



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Superintendent Reykdal unveils plan to more equitably distribute timber revenue for school construction

Friday, August 26, 2022

Chris Reykdal, Supt. of
Public Instruction
OLYMPIA—July 19, 2022—As revenues from harvesting timber on school trust lands continue to decline, it’s time to stop depending on these funds for the K–12 School Construction Assistance Program, State Superintendent Reykdal said in a recent media briefing.

Reykdal laid out his plan for re-allocating funding from the K–12 Common School Trust, which currently provides a small percentage of the funding for school construction across Washington.

In his plan, a portion of revenues from timber harvested in the rural communities - which currently are primarily provided to school districts in urban communities - would be retained within the communities that generate the dollars. In addition, Reykdal proposes the state reallocate a portion of the funds to support forest health and preservation.

His proposal calls on the state Legislature to completely fund the School Construction Assistance Program from revenue sources other than trust land revenue and instead, dedicate those dollars to projects in rural Washington.

“Rural communities in Washington have long generated this revenue through timber harvests and other trust land activities, but are not often the beneficiaries of it,” Reykdal said. “We should be investing this revenue within the communities where it’s generated and using a portion of the dollars to support forest health and preservation.”

Reykdal will propose the change during the upcoming legislative session as part of his 2023–25 Capital Budget request.




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Free haircuts for K-12 students at Evergreen Beauty College this Wednesday August 17, 2022

Tuesday, August 16, 2022


Evergreen Beauty College, located in Gateway Plaza at 185th and Aurora (18336 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133) is offering free haircuts, mini facials, mini manicures for K-12 students.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 12pm to 3pm.

The event is our annual “Back To School Event” where our Evergreen students offer free haircuts, mini manicures, and mini facials to kids K-12. 

The purpose for our event is to help support families in need in our community that may not be able to afford these services for their children prior to school starting. 

Anyone in the community is welcome to attend during the event hours, 12pm-3pm and services will be offered on a first come first serve basis.



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Help the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) support summer school and summer learning

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Photo courtesy SPSF
For the past 30 years the generous donors of Shoreline Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) have diligently supported summer school and summer learning opportunities within the district. 

This summer the SPSF granted $75,000 to the summer school program, bringing the total amount donated by SPSF to nearly $900,000 since the Foundation’s inception in 1992. 

It is because of our donors' steadfast dedication to providing opportunities for educational excellence for all students, that the SPSF is able to continue to help fund this critically important program.

We recently asked Heidi Alexander, the principal of the K-5 summer school program, what the Foundation’s support means to the students in our district; she had this to say, 

“I categorically know that none of this would have been possible without the generous donation from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation. 
"Many of the students that participate in our program come to summer school looking for a place to be seen, valued, and connect during a time that can often feel ambiguous. 
"We are grateful that the SPSF recognizes and fosters creating systems of support to improve student outcomes for all learners even during the summer.”

Additionally Ellen Kaje, Director of Categorical Programs and Academic Support, stated, 

“This year, due to the generosity of the Foundation, we were able to send home just-right books (to keep!) to 100 struggling summer school readers. In addition to the books, teachers write letters encouraging students to read that accompany each book mailing. 
"Each year kids and families tell us how much they appreciate these books. Due to the generosity of the Foundation, we see kids maintain their reading level and even make significant gains during the course of the summer school program.”

Photo courtesy SPSF
In addition to scholarships SPSF has funded for the past 30 years, monies have also been used for staff, crossing guards, transportation, food, summer reading and dual language programs— all integral components to the summer school sessions.

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation is honored to once again serve the community and in so to provide opportunities for educational excellence for every student within the district. 

We could not continue this meaningful work without the generous support of our donors and partners.

If you are interested in making a donation to the SPSF, you can do so at https://www.shorelinefoundation.org/

Furthermore, if you would like to join the Foundation and put your unique skills to work, please contact Cindy Pridemore at cindy.pridemore@ssd412.org

--Shoreline Public Schools Foundation



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Mark Roschy selected as Shoreline Schools Executive Director of Human Resources

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Mark Roschy, Shoreline Schools
Executive Director of Human Resources
Mark Roschy has been selected to serve as the Shoreline Schools Executive Director of Human Resources, Superintendent Susana Reyes announced. 

This selection is subject to approval by the School Board. He will succeed Tam Osborne, who is retiring this summer.

Mark is joining Shoreline Schools from the Edmonds School District, where he has served as Human Resources Director for Classified Staff. 

Before joining Edmonds, he held several administrative positions with the Mercer Island School District, including Director of Human Resources. 

Mark’s 25-year public school career also includes time working as a paraeducator, teacher, and school principal with Seattle Public Schools and in Juneau, AK.

Mark’s education and training background includes The Evergreen State College, The University of Alaska SE, Western Washington University, and Seattle University. Mark lives in Seattle with his two high-school-age sons and his spouse, a social worker in the Bellevue School District.

“Mark Roschy is an experienced administrator who has dedicated his career to serving students, staff, and teachers with integrity and understanding,” says Superintendent Susana Reyes. “We are honored to have Mark join the Shoreline Schools team, bringing his collaborative spirit and wealth of knowledge.”


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Mike VanOrden selected as District Academic Officer for Teaching and Learning within Shoreline Schools

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Mike VanOrden, Shoreline Schools District
Academic Officer for Teaching and Learning
Mike VanOrden has been selected to serve as District Academic Officer for Teaching and Learning within Shoreline Schools, Superintendent Susana Reyes announced. 

The appointment is subject to approval by the Shoreline School Board. Mike succeeds Maria Stevens, who accepted a position at another school district.

Mike is joining Shoreline Schools from the Lake Washington School District, where he has served as the Director of Teaching and Learning and, most recently, as an Associate Superintendent. 

Before joining the Lake Washington School District, he served as principal at Highland Terrace Elementary here in Shoreline, as principal at Alderwood Middle School, and as assistant principal at Meadowdale High School in the Edmonds School District.

Prior to school administration, Mike was a high school science/AP science teacher in California and on Mercer Island. He also held curriculum- and assessment-related positions for the Santa Clara County Office of Education in California and for the California Department of Education. 

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Humboldt State University in California, his Master of Education in Educational Administration, and his administrative certification from Western Washington University.

Mike lives in Seattle with his wife, who is a middle school teacher for the Mercer Island School District. He also has two grown daughters, one of whom is currently attending Washington State University and studying to become a science teacher.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience and a depth of knowledge that will serve Shoreline Schools students, teachers, and staff well,” says Superintendent Reyes. “We are excited to welcome him back to our community and look forward to his vision and leadership within our district.”


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Trish Campbell selected to serve as Shoreline Schools Executive Director of Student Services

Monday, July 4, 2022

Trish Campbell, new Executive Director
of Student Services for Shoreline Schools
Trish Campbell has been selected to serve as the Shoreline Schools Executive Director of Student Services, announced Superintendent Susana Reyes. 

The appointment is subject to approval by the Shoreline School Board. Trish succeeds Becca Anderson, who accepted a position at another school district.

Trish joins Shoreline Schools from the Marysville School District, where she has served as the Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education. 

Prior to her time in Marysville, Trish worked as a special education administrator in Seattle Public Schools. Trish has over 20 years of experience teaching special education and leading student services in the state of Washington. 

She brings a wide range of experience, including coaching Special Olympics, mentoring new leaders, and developing community partnerships.

A graduate of Mariner High School, Trish holds her teaching credentials from Temple University, a master's degree in Special Education from Seattle University, and her administrative credentials from the University of Washington. Trish enjoys spending time with her four adult children, all of whom serve in the area of student and social services.

“Trish’s history of serving all students with compassion, integrity, and high standards aligns well with the vision of Shoreline Schools,” says Superintendent Susana Reyes. “We welcome her to the district and look forward to her expertise benefitting our entire Shoreline Schools community.”


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Cristi Camp selected as interim assistant principal at Shorecrest High School

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Cristi Camp, interim assistant
principal at Shorecrest
Cristi Camp has been selected to serve as an interim assistant principal at Shorecrest High School for the 2022-23 school year, Superintendent Susana Reyes announced. Cristi replaces Becky Worrell, who served as an assistant principal Shorecrest since 2007.

Since 2016, Cristi has served as an instructional coach at Einstein Middle School here in the Shoreline School District. Prior to that, Cristi’s teaching career was in science and special education at the middle and high school levels with the Shoreline and Issaquah school districts. 

Cristi holds a master’s degree in Special Education from Seattle University, and she received a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and her teacher certification from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher who has been teaching since 2005.

"Cristi Camp is a passionate, experienced, and committed educator who has devoted her educational career to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous and engaging curriculum and instruction,” says Superintendent Reyes. “We are excited to welcome Cristi to Shorecrest!"


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U.S. Supreme Court releases two decisions related to public education

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Chris Reykdal, Supt of Public Instruction
U.S. Supreme Court released two decisions related to public education

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Carson v. Makin that the state of Maine violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment when it refused to make public funding available for students to attend private schools that provide religious instruction. 

Today, the Court ruled in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District that public school employees may engage in voluntary prayer during school activities so long as they do not require or coerce students to participate.

Carson v. Makin

This case challenged the constitutionality of a school voucher program in Maine that pays the tuition for some students to attend private schools when their own school district – often in rural areas – does not operate a public high school. In its ruling, the Court decided that if Maine provides publicly-funded tuition vouchers for students to attend private nonsectarian schools, they must also provide the same vouchers for students to attend private sectarian schools that provide religious instruction.

This ruling will not impact Washington state in any way. Each and every young person in our state has the opportunity to attend our public schools for their K–12 education.

Washington has a long and proud history of supporting and strengthening our public schools, and our students, educators, communities, and our economy continue to benefit from those investments. Our public schools are governed by school board directors who are elected locally, and they are accountable to the public.

“Washington does not have a K–12 voucher program, and this ruling will not impact our state’s long-held value of keeping public taxpayer money focused on public institutions,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. 
“I will not support voucher programs or other privatization efforts in Washington state. They have proven to be discriminatory, segregating in nature, and inconsistent with the laws of the State of Washington.”

Kennedy v. Bremerton School District

This case challenged a directive by the Bremerton School District that suspended a high school football coach for conducting prayers on the football field after high school football games. In its ruling, the Court affirmed that public school employees have a legal right to engage in individual prayer during school activities so long as it is not part of the employee’s official responsibilities and there is not an explicit or implied expectation that students or other staff join the prayer.

It remains illegal and unethical for public school employees to coerce, pressure, persuade, or force students, players, staff, or other participants to engage in any religious practice as a condition of playing, employment, belonging, or participation. 

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and local school districts will continue to investigate complaints of any public school official who attempts to use their positional authority or taxpayer resources to compel anybody associated with the school, including students, to participate in religious expression of any form.

“Individuals have always held express rights to exercise their own faith within reasonable limits in public spaces,” Reykdal said. “ 
This ruling affirms that right, but it also retains the long-held understanding that church and state (public entities) are separate. Schools will not embrace a particular faith or compel any individual to participate or recognize any faith or religious practice.”

“Washington state’s long history of civil rights and religious freedom will not be altered by this ruling,” Reykdal continued. “Students and staff will remain free of any sanctioned religious beliefs or practices in the course of their public education.”

--OSPI



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Edmonds School Board confirms Rebecca Miner as interim superintendent for coming school year

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Edmonds School Board photo courtesy MyEdmondsNews.com

The Edmonds School District Board of Directors at its Tuesday, June 14, 2022 meeting unanimously approved the contract for the district’s new interim superintendent Dr. Rebecca Miner.

Rebecca Miner
The school board announced in late April it was extending an offer to Miner, who previously served as superintendent for the Shoreline School District. 

Her appointment gives the district time to find a permanent replacement for current Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas, who is leaving for a job with the Beaverton School District.

Miner will serve as interim superintendent for the 2022-23 school year, beginning July 1, 2022.

--My Edmonds News.com



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John Green to serve as an interim assistant principal at Kellogg Middle School

John Green, Interim Assistant Principal
Kellogg Middle School
John Green has been selected to serve as an interim assistant principal at Kellogg Middle School for the 2022-23 school year, Superintendent Susana Reyes announced. He will succeed Melyssa Stone, who has been selected as an assistant principal at Shorewood High School.

Joining Kellogg after a year as interim assistant principal at Einstein Middle School, John brings a lengthy history of serving within Shoreline Schools. John has previously served as Shorewood High School Principal and worked in administrative roles at Shorecrest High School and Kellogg. John has also worked as a teacher or principal in the Vashon Island and Everett school districts.

John graduated from the University of Washington, where he studied Education and Earth Science. He has a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Central Washington University. Outside of work, John enjoys cooking and learning about the natural history of the Puget Sound region.

“We are so appreciative of John’s service to the Shoreline Schools community and look forward to his work at Kellogg this coming year,” says Superintendent Reyes. “His deep knowledge of school administration and his commitment to authentic connection with every student aligns well with the values and vision of our district.”



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School Board adopts new District Director maps

Monday, June 27, 2022

2022 School Board District Director map

At its May 24, 2022 meeting the Shoreline School Board adopted a new District Director map.

District Directors, i.e. School Board members, are required to live in their district. However all residents within the school district boundaries (the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park) vote for all directors. 

The boundaries were adjusted meticulously to, as much as possible, put the same number of residents in each district, as well as attempting to distribute the elementary schools among the districts.

All school board members represent the interests of the entire school district.

Board members serve a four-year term.



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The Polytech Open House Wednesday showcases options for individualized learning for 11th and 12th graders

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Photo courtesy The Polytech
The Polytech will hold an open house on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 10am to 1pm. Meet director Ruth Wilson and discuss your needs. We are also available for private appointments upon request. 206-778-3809.

The Polytech, located at 540 NE Northgate Way NE, Suite D Seattle, WA 98125 offers many options for neurodiverse and anxious students:

Want to accelerate your studies? The Polytech grants advance access to college level training programs in healthcare, business and IT, education, engineering, and manufacturing to high school juniors and seniors. All classes can become part of a high school diploma, or we also offer our own high school credits using a one-on-one and small group instruction format that allows us to customize instruction for individual student needs.

Not sure what to do after graduation? Career interest inventories and skills assessments find the overlap between your interests, skills, and preferred work environment. With an investment of approximately 5 hours and $399, our career consultants can share results, interpret next steps, and assist with a customized plan that may include additional training or an immediate job search.

We also support students as they transition into college, career, and adulthood. Talk to us if:
  • You need help getting a driver's license. We specialize in helping neurodiverse and anxious drivers and have a commercial-grade driving simulator to allow practice in a wide range of traffic and weather conditions.
  • You are interested to get your WA Food Worker card. We have a short 2-hour course for $99 where an instructor walks you through the steps and all the information to earn this credential so that you can work in a restaurant, child care, and countless other settings that require serving or preparing food and beverages.
  • You want to look for a job. We help students get the tools they need (as a resume, applications, and interview practice), and we also help teens and young adults learn how to search openings and apply. We can provide structure and break down this complicated /process to make it less overwhelming.
  • You prefer to live in your own apartment. We can help you know if you're ready and understand what you need to have in place before commiting to a 12-month lease.
  • You need help with a special situation we haven't mentioned.

The Polytech is a unique opportunity for students in grades 11 and 12 to participate in customized instruction, community-college-based workforce education, and comprehensive case management services. The Polytech graduates can earn a high school diploma, college credits, industry certificate, and work experience simultaneously, allowing for a seamless transition to adulthood, more college, and a successful career.

Conveniently located in North Seattle on a bus line, The Polytech provides a comfortable place for students to study, attend class, and receive guidance from mentors and advisors. By balancing the school schedule between The Polytech and community college campuses, students experience the best of each school setting, with each student following their own individual plan designed to address their personal aspirations, meet high school graduation requirements, and facilitate extra-curricular activities, including career-related experiences and internships.

Contact us for more information about how to integrate high school graduation requirements with meaningful workforce education that leads to a productive career.



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New principal selected for Meridian Park

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Aram Osterlye is the new principal of 
Meridian Park Elementary
Aram Osterlye has been selected to serve as the new principal at Meridian Park Elementary School, Superintendent Susana Reyes announced. He will succeed David Tadlock, who has served as Principal at Meridian Park since 2013.

Aram joins Shoreline Schools from the Edmonds School District, where he has served as an assistant principal. Prior to his time with Edmonds, Aram worked for ten years in teaching and administrative positions for schools in California. His career began as a teacher in Paradise Unified School District, then took Aram to Middletown United School District, where he worked as an elementary school principal and student services director.

Born and raised in northern California, Aram holds teaching and administrative credentials from Chico State University and plans to obtain an Ed.D in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Aram’s hobbies include fly fishing, camping, sports, and traveling.

“Aram’s strong beliefs in educational access, inclusion, and equity align well with the values of Shoreline Schools and the Meridian Park Elementary school community,” says Superintendent Reyes. 
“We welcome his experience at both the district and school level coupled with his demonstrated commitment to celebrating student success and cultivating strong relationships.”


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Shorewood PTSA honors Marianne Deal Stephens as their Outstanding Educator

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Marianne Deal Stephens
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
For their annual awards, the Shorewood PTSA honored Marianne Deal Stephens as their Outstanding Educator.

Here’s what was said about Marianne in her nomination:

Marianne is always on the ball when it comes to providing pathway and college preparedness/application information, providing just the right information at just the right time. 

Her emails are full of so much relevant information, reassurance, and solid counsel, provided in an organized way that makes it easy to find just what is needed. 

And, she serves literally EVERY single student on campus. As a parent, I find her to be responsive and reassuring. Both of my students (one now in college) brighten up whenever her name is mentioned at the dinner table, and both agree she is truly amazing, and an unsung hero. 

Shorewood is truly made better by her presence.

Marianne is the former School Board reporter for the Shoreline Area News. She left the SAN for the job at Shorewood. 

We have not been able to find anyone with her skill set to replace her, so it is good to know that she is appreciated at Shorewood!


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Shoreline Public Schools Foundation celebrates 30 years of supporting Shoreline Schools

Friday, May 27, 2022

Today the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation is celebrating its
30th Anniversary!


Your gift will support summer school scholarships, preschool
scholarships and school supplies for students in need.

We can’t wait to keep you in the loop about all the great opportunities you are making possible!




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Message from Superintendent Reyes in response to the Texas school tragedy

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Message from Superintendent Reyes

Yesterday’s tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, is deeply heartbreaking. 

Our hearts go out to the students, teachers, staff, parents, families, and community of Uvalde as they process this incredibly difficult and sad time.

During times like this, children may express or exhibit fear about their safety, so please let your school know if you sense that a student needs support. 

Here are some helpful resources for talking with your children about this event or any act of violence:
As a school district, we are committed to making every effort to ensure our students have a learning environment in which they feel safe and secure, and where they can focus on growing every day. 

Safety measures in schools across our district include the following:
  • Secured entries are locked other than during high-traffic arrival times
  • School entrances are monitored and entry is controlled by office and administrative staff
  • All schools have the ability to electronically lock down all exterior doors with the push of a button
  • All threats are taken seriously and investigated, with appropriate precautions
  • Safety drills are conducted throughout the year, including lockdown drills
  • To quickly, easily, and anonymously report safety concerns, we have an anonymous safety tip line
In the wake of a tragedy such as this, we are reminded to hold our loved ones close while we care for and support them during this difficult time. Please know, we are focused on ensuring that every Shoreline student has access to a safe and healthy environment in which to learn, grow, and succeed.

Sincerely,
Dr. Susana Reyes
Superintendent
Shoreline School District



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Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement on devastating shooting in Texas elementary school

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

WA State Supt of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal

Statement from Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal

OLYMPIA—May 24, 2022—The tragic events in Texas today are heartbreaking, pathetically consistent, and deeply tragic. Today, another domestic terrorist took the lives of school-aged students and at least one educator with a firearm, and I offer my deepest condolences to the families, the community, and every American who is crushed once again by an all too familiar headline.

In Washington state, we have worked very hard to enhance physical safety in our schools. We have made substantial investments in threat-assessment protocols and interventions, comprehensive school safety plans and procedures in each school, large financial commitments to student mental and behavioral health interventions, required training for school safety and security staff, as well as in increasing the number of adults in our schools to support students. 

But, make no mistake, the Texas tragedy can still happen here.

To my fellow Washingtonians: Please understand that another round of news, opinion, outrage, and political spin will not change the research. America has one of the highest gun density rates in the world. It results in the highest rates of murder and deaths by suicide from firearms of any industrialized nation. 

Research study after research study continues to conclude that gun density per 100,000 population has the strongest correlation to homicides. The more guns in your community and in your home, the more likely you or a family member will die by gun violence. Murders, suicides, and firearms used in crimes are directly correlated to guns in the home, specifically unsecured firearms.


I will pray for the families who lost their children today, and I will pray that every parent, guardian, and grandparent in our nation will make the impactful decision to remove or secure deadly firearms within their home. There is simply no debate: Our homes are safer when there are no guns inside them.

There will be much debate by lawmakers, as there always is, about more gun safety laws, fewer people accessing guns, and the criminal consequences of using a gun to commit a crime. 

As a father, community member, and our state’s schools chief, I am making a personal appeal to you today to please reconsider gun possession in your home if you are a gun owner today. 

In America, the overwhelming data are clear that gun owners and their families are more likely to die by their own gun than they are to use them in self-defense or protection.

Please join me in considering the deeply personal choice of not keeping a firearm in your home. With our personal choices, we can save lives immediately.




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