Three Shoreline schools recognized by Washington School Recognition Program for the 2024-25 school year

Three Shoreline schools, Cascade K-8 Community School, Highland Terrace Elementary, and Meridian Park Elementary, have been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2024-25 school year. This year, only 16% of schools statewide earned this distinction, making these results all the more remarkable.

Cascade K-8 Community School was recognized for both Growth and Achievement, a rare combination reflecting students who are not only among the highest-performing in Washington in English Language Arts and Math, but who also made some of the state’s largest year-over-year gains across ELA, Math, and Attendance. That growth was seen across the entire school population, including students from low-income families and those receiving special education services.

Highland Terrace Elementary was recognized for Growth, with standout results among its Hispanic and Latino students, who ranked in the top 10% of schools statewide for growth in ELA proficiency and attendance, and its students from low-income households, who ranked in the top 10% statewide for growth in ELA proficiency, math proficiency, and math student growth percentiles.

Meridian Park Elementary was recognized for Achievement, with students ranking in the top 20% of schools statewide on the 2025 Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) for ELA proficiency, math proficiency, and attendance rates.

These results don’t happen by chance. They reflect the daily dedication of teachers and staff who build strong relationships with students, invest extra effort where it’s needed, and refuse to give up on any learner.

Congratulations to the students, staff, and families at Cascade K-8, Highland Terrace, and Meridian Park on this well-deserved recognition!

Learn more about the recognition program: here

--Shoreline Schools

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Celebrate Filipino American History Month at Ridgecrest Elementary next Thursday October 22, 2026

Join our Shoreline and Lake Forest Park community on Thursday, October 22, 6:00–7:30pm at Ridgecrest Elementary School 16516 10th Ave. NE for the annual Filipino American History Month Celebration!

This event is open to all ages and offers a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate Filipino American culture, history, and community. 

Performances begin at 6:00pm, but you can arrive early for the Filipino food truck that will open at 5:30pm and be on-site throughout the evening!

All families are welcome, so please spread the word and join us!

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Shoreline Schools disrupted by power outage Friday

Power outage from failed equipment October 9, 2026

An insulator failed and knocked out power to 6,000 City Light customers between I-5 and Lake Washington, and Lake City to 168th in the early hours of Friday, October 9, 2026.

The school district cancelled classes for Shorecrest High School, Kellogg Middle School, and Briarcrest and Ridgecrest elementaries and started the rest of the schools two hours late.

The outage affected the transportation dispatch center, the central kitchen and warehouse in Hamlin Park.

Power was restored after 10am.

Seattle Schools had previously scheduled a professional development day and classes were not held across the district.

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SESPA and Shoreline Schools reach tentative agreement on contract

The SESPA bargaining team announced on Friday, September 11, 2026 that they had reached a tentative agreement in their contract negotiations with the Shoreline School District.

The next step is for the membership to vote on the newly negotiated contract. School will proceed uninterrupted, with no strike.

SESPA (Shoreline Educational Support Professionals Association) is the union for all the support staff in the schools.

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SESPA to rally before school board meeting Tuesday September 8, 2026

SESPA, the Shoreline Educational Support Professionals Association has been in contract negotiations with the Shoreline School District throughout the month of August but has not yet come to an agreement.

They are strongly supported by SEA (Shoreline Education Association) - the teachers' union.

The two unions will hold a rally on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:30pm at the flagpole outside the Shoreline School District offices, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155. The school board meets at 6pm.

SESPA includes school support professionals: the Paraeducators in the classrooms; the special ed paras, Lunchroom, recess and playground. It also includes the office professionals, the office managers, and the registrars. Nurses. Crossing guards.

Correction: Library aides and tech support aides are no longer employed at the school district.

Updated 9-8-2026

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Shoreline SD Seeks Applicants for Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee

This fall, Shoreline School District is launching a Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee to help guide a plan for maintaining and improving our school buildings. 

This community-driven effort may inform upcoming ballot measures aimed at funding building upkeep and new school construction where it's needed most.

Interested? Read on for more information about the committee and how members of the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park communities can apply to be a part.

Why This Committee is Forming

Many of our school buildings are aging, and some no longer meet the needs of a modern learning environment. 

Rather than addressing facility needs one at a time as they arise, the district is taking a proactive, long-term approach: understanding the condition of our buildings, planning ahead for needed investments, and engaging our community every step of the way.

This committee will help build community understanding of, and involvement in, that long-range plan. 

Their work will help ensure alignment with the district’s educational programs, demographic changes, and community needs, which may also inform future bonds for replacement of district buildings.

What the Committee Will Do

Committee members will:

• Learn about our facilities. Members will review building conditions, safety data, and long-term planning information so they have a clear, accurate picture of our district's needs.
• Provide community input. While data helps identify facility needs, community voice and judgment are essential in shaping how the district communicates about and prioritizes this work.
• Help inform their neighbors. Committee members will be equipped to talk with friends, neighbors, and community members about the district's facilities plan and why it matters.

Final decisions about specific buildings, sites, and funding measures rest with the Shoreline School Board. The committee's role is advisory, bringing community perspective to this important work.

To learn more about the committee and apply, visit: Long Range Committee

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Roots of Empathy at Lake Forest Park and Brookside Elementary need volunteer Instructors

Roots of Empathy session at local elementary school

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based, internationally recognized classroom program serving children ages 5–13. We’ve reached 1.2 million children globally with our school-based programs, and we have research to prove impact. 

Roots of Empathy reduces aggression, increases sharing, caring, and inclusion, and promotes resilience, well-being, and positive mental health.

Our mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults. Our vision is to change the world, child by child. We do this by having trained volunteer Instructors guide elementary school students in observing and connecting with a neighborhood baby and parent, building emotional literacy, empathy, and prosocial skills in young children.

Shoreline School District has been offering this program in various schools since 2009 and it is growing this next school year. Both Lake Forest Park and Brookside Elementary need volunteer Instructors to help deliver the program curriculum in the classroom. 

We provide a fall training for Instructors and mentorship through the first year of instruction. Volunteers come from many backgrounds—former teachers, school counselors, therapists, social workers, parents, grandparents, or anyone familiar and enthusiastic about working with children.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Roots of Empathy Program Manager, Melissa Cornwell, via email at mcornwell@rootsofempathy.org

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School district surplus sale July 29, 2026

Shoreline School District is holding a public surplus sale on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the district warehouse, 2003 NE 160th St., Shoreline WA 98155 (inside Hamlin Park)

Find great deals on furniture, musical instruments, tables, shelving, exercise equipment, and more, including cellos, violas, violins, and a wide range of band instruments. 

Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted (no checks), and all sales are final.

A complete list of items with some prices and more detail can be found at: here

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Shorewood and Shorecrest videos of commencement ceremonies

Shorewood in blue; Shorecrest in green

Shorewood and Shorecrest commencement ceremony videos are now live

Relive the musical performances, listen closely to the speeches, enjoy watching your favorite grad receive their diploma, or share with friends and relatives who couldn't make it to graduation.

Check them out here

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Meridian Park PTSA Art Showcase

The cafeteria became a vibrant space full of self-portraits and dog/cat art

Writer: Kristina Dydychkina     

Editor: Angelina Dydychkina 

On May 13, 2026 the Meridian Park PTSA and Art Docents put on a beautiful art showcase. Every student's art was in it, along with all the R-A-T t-shirt design entries.

There were stations where you could make bracelets, origami and other fun crafts. You also got to see the self-portraits and the pop art dogs the students drew in art docent. There was also a room with the sculptures that students made in Art Docent.

A third room had a screen that played videos of kids doing other talents like singing and stop motion animation.

The sculpture room was full of amazing “found” sculptures.
Students gave new life to what might have been thrown away.

The students who sang showed some amazing talents. A kindergartner who sang one beautiful Vietnamese song and one Chinese song deserves a special shout out! We really liked his confidence when he sang those songs.

The Stop Motion animation club showcased their work. We also really liked the “Does AI Belong?” stop motion animation and the video about dolls escaping.

There was also a delicious and fancy snack station with a string quartet playing nearby. People could look at the art and meet artists making their work. It was literally a feast for all the senses.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped prepare the event, set up and clean up all the stations. Meridian Park is lucky to have such an awesome art docent program that helped students make such cool and unique art.

We also want to give a shout out to all the Cheetahs whose every single art piece helped make the PTSA Art Showcase a night to be remembered.

Meridian Park Elementary is located at 17077 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

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Shoreline Schools (Family Friendly) Pride Dessert Potluck June 4, 2026

The Shoreline Schools (Family Friendly) Pride Dessert Potluck - features family activities, student-led performances, community tables, and Pride Book Fair hosted by Third Place Books. 

 
Thursday June 4, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Shoreline Center - 18560 1st Ave NE
(North End of Shoreline Center by tennis courts)

RSVP required - Register here

Hosted by Shoreline Schools and Shoreline PTA Council 6.12

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Pack the Park raises $2,300 for Angel Fund to pay student lunch debt

The starting line was a Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Pack the Park was the call. And the park was packed!

On May 9, 2026 Superheroes in the fight against food insecurity walked, ran, and strolled through the annual 5K to raise money for Lake Forest Park Farmers Market Bucks and the Shoreline School District Angel Fund.

Thanks to the event, plus an additional contribution from race organizer Kind + Co Events, $2,300 was raised for the Angel Fund, which helps pay negative meal balances for students in need.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Spotted at the event were Superintendent Susana Reyes, School Board Director Sara Betnel, Food & Nutrition Services Director Jessica Jandayan, Lake Forest Park Elementary Principal Aimee Miner, and Lake Forest Park Police Chief Mike Harden!

Thank you to all of the local superheroes who showed up to support our community. 

Why does this matter? This year, Shoreline School District’s student meal debt has climbed to more than $29,000 — the highest it has ever been. 

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Many families earn too much to qualify for meal assistance, but still struggle to afford the rising cost of food and living expenses. 

Shoreline does not allow students to go hungry, so unpaid meal balances quickly add up.

Fundraisers like this help ensure students can continue receiving meals at school while easing financial pressure on families and the district.

Learn more or contribute here

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Shoreline student inducted into AAA Washington School Safety Patrol (SSP) Hall of Fame

AAA Washington has named 10 students from Spokane to Shoreline to its AAA School Safety Patrol (SSP) Hall of Fame, recognizing their leadership and commitment to keeping their communities safe. 

Olive Woody at work by Echo Lake Elementary

These students have gone above and beyond to take care of their fellow classmates, ensuring they get to and from school without harm. 

Through its SSP Program, AAA Washington has supported thousands of students grades four through eight as volunteer crossing guards and emerging young leaders. 

The program was established in 1922 at John Muir Elementary in Seattle and has been running for over 100 years.

Now it has grown to include more than 700 partner schools and 22,000 student patrollers across the state. 

SSP program honorees were nominated by advisors of each school’s program across the state. Each year, 10 students are selected. There are 270 students in the Washington Hall of Fame since 1999.

Of the ten students, one is from Bothell and one is from Shoreline

Emil Ghandiyan, fifth grade, Tambark Creek Elementary, Bothell

"His leadership, dedication, and willingness to help others make him a role model for other patrollers and students, and he has made a positive impact on our school safety program,” said SSP advisor Suganthi Kanagaraj. Emil says being a School Safety Patroller has taught him that leadership isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about setting a good example for others. He says the program has helped him become a fearless leader.

Olive Woody, Echo Lake Elementary, has been
inducted into the AAA WA School Safety Patrol 
Hall of Fame.

Olive Woody, fifth grade, Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline

As the third sibling in her family to serve as a school safety patroller, Olive is carrying on the family legacy with leadership and initiative. After noticing increased foot traffic over several weeks at an unpatrolled crossing near her school, she suggested adding a new patrol post – an idea that quickly turned into action. 

Her nominator, SSP advisor Allan Rand, said, “We took her feedback to heart and immediately turned this new location into a patrolled post. A perfect example of traffic safety awareness and overall leadership.”

More information on AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol Program here

For 120 years, AAA Washington has championed safer mobility, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and showcasing Washington as an unrivaled travel destination. It has long supported communities across the Pacific Northwest, including through its School Safety Patrol program and Road Ready events.

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Shoreline School District retiring class of 2025-26

Each year, we pause to recognize and celebrate the dedicated employees whose years of service have helped shape the Shoreline School District community. 

Our retirees have made a lasting impact on generations of students, families, and colleagues through their care, commitment, expertise, and passion for public education. We are deeply grateful for all they have contributed and wish them joy and fulfillment in their retirement.

Retirees who will be honored at our May 28 celebration (including their years of employment with Shoreline School District):

• Julie Anneberg, Teacher, 1990-2026
• Casey Bent-Callaghan, Teacher, 2011-2026
• Eric Caldwell, Director of Technology, 2018-2026
• Lynn Conte, Preschool Aide, 1988-2026
• Denise Hinze, Executive Assistant, 1999-2026
• Melinda Hutton, Paraeducator, 2004-2026
• Jeff McDowell, Teacher, 1990-2026
• Karen Nicholson, Teacher. 2001-2026
• Annalise Nye, Teacher, 2001-2026
• Wesley Proudlove, Teacher, 2007-2026

Please also recognize and thank these retirees who will not be at the celebration:

• Bill Dunbar, Principal, 2001-2026
• Donna Hoffman, Teacher, 1996-2026
• Fred Lieu, Custodian, 1997-2026
• Tracy King, Kitchen Lead, 2016-2025
• Tracy Kirkpatrick, Bus Driver, 2016-2026
• Renée Leveque Wass, Transitions Program Teacher, 1991-2025
• Leslie Lince, Kitchen Lead, 1998-2026
• Marc McCartney, District Theater Coordinator, 1988-2025
• Terry Monnette, Director of the Power of One
• Hao Nguyen, Custodian, 2005-2026
• Amy Pitts, Teacher, 1992-2026
• Jim Price, Capital Projects Manager, 2019-2026
• Lisa Sezate, Teacher, 1989-2025
• Dan Stevens, Director of Maintenance and Capital Projects, 2013-2026
• Tami Thompson, Teacher, 2013-2026
• Linda Vassallo, Teacher, 2011-2025
• Michael Wellman, Teacher, 1996-2025

May 28 end-of year event:

• 5-6:00 - retirement recognition
• 6-7:00 - social hour
• 7-8:00 Staff of the Year awards
• Einstein Middle School, 19343 3rd Ave NW

There are other retiring employees who have not indicated that they would like to be included in school district communications. If you know of retirees who are not listed here, please thank and recognize them as they would like and show appreciation for the service they have provided to our students and the Shoreline School District community.

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Jobs: Shoreline Schools Amharic, Arabic, and Tigrinya interpreters

Shoreline School District

Amharic, Arabic, and Tigrinya interpreters
On-call
$30.93 per hour

The District is currently looking to hire additional Amharic, Arabic, and Tigrinya interpreters to support our schools and help strengthen communication with families in our district. 

This is a great opportunity for people who are bilingual and interested in supporting students and families in an educational setting.

Role: Interpreter, fluent in English and listed language

Hours: On-call (as needed)

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret during parent-teacher conferences, school meetings, phone calls, and events, help with translation of documents
• Facilitate communication between families and school staff
• Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity
• Support equitable access to school information and resources

To learn more and apply, visit Job description and application here. Click "Fast track" then "current job openings"

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Shoreline School District receives State Award for Educational Excellence

Shoreline School District is honored to have been selected as 1 of 25 award-winning school districts for the State Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence in Student Achievement.

The State Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence recognizes the 25 top-performing school districts in educational achievement in the previous school year and the 25 top-performing school districts in progress over the last three school years.

“Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community,” said Shoreline Superintendent Susana Reyes.

“From our educators and support staff to our students, families, and community partners, this recognition reflects the collective commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunities and support they need to succeed in Shoreline schools.”

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) evaluates school districts for the award based on the metrics of student opportunity and outcomes below.

Student Opportunity Measures:

• Regular Attendance
• Kindergarten Readiness
• Highly Capable Program Participation
• High School Level Math in 8th Grade
• Dual Credit Participation Including Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Dual Credit Participation Excluding CTE

Student Outcome Measures:

• 4th Grade Reading
• 8th Grade Reading
• 8th Grade Math
• Ninth Graders on Track
• 4-Year Graduation Rate

The award criteria align with the state’s Annual Snapshot on Student Opportunity and Outcomes, which shows how individual districts and the state as a whole are progressing on key focus areas. 

While OSPI did not include access to dual language programming in the methodology, our school district received a commendation for the steps we have taken to provide students with the opportunity to learn English alongside another language––skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

“It is an honor to recognize Shoreline Public Schools for their dedication to student opportunity and success,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

“From high-quality instruction, to targeted strategies to improving attendance, to ensuring all students have access to advanced coursework, Shoreline School District is an inspiring representation of Washington’s outstanding public schools.”

Shoreline School District will receive a banner and a plaque from OSPI recognizing their achievement and commitment to student success. This is the inaugural year of this state award.

For more information see: State Superintendent’s Award for Educational Excellence (OSPI webpage)

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All school levies pass in King County - one bond fails

Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline School District

13 King County school districts had levies on the February 10, 2026 ballot. 

They all passed.

Three districts had an approval rate over 70%

• Mercer Island 74% - 4 elementary schools; 1 middle; 1 high school

• Vashon Island 77% -  3 schools 1 elementary 1 middle 1 high school

• Shoreline 73% for the regular levy and 77% for the technology levy Here's a list of schools in the Shoreline district

Riverview had a bond issue on the ballot which failed. Northshore had a bond issue that passed. The bonds were for capital expenses - new school, upgrading current schools. and the like.

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Four Shoreline schools receive Music Program Grants from Women’s University Club Foundation

Photo courtesy Women's University Club Foundation

Two area elementary schools, Meridian Park and Lake Forest Park, as well as Shorecrest High School and Einstein Middle School have just been awarded grants to support their music programs.

The grants, made by the Women’s University Club of Seattle Foundation, support struggling public school music programs through their Music Counts! Program. 

Schools like these then use grant money for basic classroom needs such as sheet music, instrument repairs and accessories, educational materials, coaching, and purchase of instruments. This year, 21 schools won more than a combined $11,000 in awards, benefiting almost 6,000 of their students.

“We were delighted to fund these grant applications,” says Susan Norton, Chair of the 2025 Music Counts! Committee. “Area public school music teachers can easily find our short-and easy application online at Women's University Club Grants to K–12 Music Programs."

Norton noted that, for almost two decades, the Music Counts! Grant program has raised funds for schools at their annual Cabaret, which features performances by talented high school ensembles that have received grants.

“Our greatest pleasure is raising money at our Cabaret—and then giving it all away to schools so students can learn to make music,” said Norton. “Truly, we know we’re helping give them a gift of a lifetime.”

This year’s Cabaret will feature a Garfield High School jazz ensemble, Bellevue High School’s jazz chorus, and a 21-piece jazz band from Hazen High School of Renton. It is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 from 7-9pm. 

Tickets for the Roaring 20’s dessert fest are available here for $35. Club members and all jazz lovers of every age and sex are invited to attend. More information is online here 

The Women’s University Club of Seattle Foundation, a public charitable trust established in 2005, supports scholarship, historic preservation, and community education and outreach.

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Shorewood Drama organizes clothing drive for The Works

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Shorewood High School Drama hosted a Winter Clothing Drive in January, and teacher Amy Pottinger wants to express gratitude for the amazing community! 

Thank you to everyone who donated underwear, socks, and coats — and helped us “build a snowman” along the way! Your generosity will make a real difference this winter.

All donations will be given to The Works, which provides clothing and personal products to Shoreline families in need.

We are so proud of our students and families for coming together to support our community! 

Ms. Pottinger and the SW Drama team organized this event to benefit children in our area.

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Seven local high school students win Regional Scholastic Art Awards

(L-R) Gegee, Aidan, Mila, Edythe, Taylor, Velvet

Please join us in congratulating these seven high school students in Ms. King's Advanced Placement Art class, who have won Regional Scholastic Art Awards for their submissions! 

(Listed in order of photos)

Silver Key Winners

Gegee Amgalan, Shorewood Junior, "Alienation," Painting

Edythe Repka-Kolanowski, Shorecrest Senior, "Shattered Time," Ceramic/Glass

Velvet Wu, Shorewood Junior, "We Can Share Heaven," Digital

Honorable Mentions

Taylor Draper, Shorecrest Senior, "Brick Wall Strays," Comic Art
Mila Fotinatos, Shorewood Senior, "My House is the One with the Big Tree," Painting

Mila Fotinatos, "She Holds Him, He Holds It," Illustration
Aidan Pulliam, Shorecrest Senior, "Unspoken," Illustration

Velvet Wu, "Idle Years," Painting

Students ages 13 and up can apply to the nation's longest-running recognition program for creative teens. 

Jurors look for works that exemplify the Awards’ core values: originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

We’re so proud of our students for sharing their creativity and inspiration. Keep creating, keep growing, and keep shining! 

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