District News

High-impact observances are cultural or religious days that may affect student participation. These meaningful days may require students to take time off for celebrations or rest. It’s important for our schools to recognize and respect these days to support all students and create an inclusive, respectful environment that honors our community’s diversity.

View in English & Español.

The student art calendar is now available for printing at home. View in English & Espanol.

October is:

As mornings become darker and darker, drivers, please keep an eye out for students walking and waiting at their bus stops. Families, please have your students wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the flashing lights and stop sign to be fully out before they cross the street. Here is great graphic showing when to stop for school buses, and if you are ever in doubt--STOP! Other safety reminders include:

• Students and parents should wait on the curb when waiting for the school bus, not off the curb or in the street.
• Do not stand in school crosswalks, obey crossing guards if present.
• Be focused and aware when walking in school parking lots. We encourage walkers to stay off their cell phones while walking. Dark mornings may make it difficult for drivers to see walkers.
• Bicyclist must abide by the same laws as drivers, which means they must stop for school buses when applicable.
• If possible, wear lighter clothing/coats or add something reflective on darker clothing.

Understanding the difference between a lockout and a lockdown is essential for parents to respond appropriately in crisis situations. Please watch the quick video below to learn more.

Circumstances may occur at a school that requires parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. Reunification is one type of controlled release and may be necessary due to a crisis occurring at the school or a hazardous materials event. Watch this video to learn about the standard reunification process that makes reunification predictable and less chaotic for all involved.

Now more than ever it is important for our kids to know how to stay safe online and use social media accounts wisely. For resources and guidance, visit our Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy page.

Online safety tips:

• Keep the computer in a busy area of your home.
• Use an app to monitor your child’s online activity on their device.
• Talking about cyberbullying, ask if someone they know has been a victim. Ask if they have been victimized.
• Set up email and social media accounts with your children. Know their screen names and passwords and explain why they should not include any personal information in their profiles.

Know who is in the “buddy lists.” Get to know the cyberfriends just as you do those who visit your home. Parents and guardians may find the following resources helpful to begin a conversation about the dangers of engaging in cyberbullying and how to stay safe online:

• Stop Bullying Now
• Ms. Parry’s Guide to Correct Online Etiquette
• Common Sense Media

Nearly half of Everett Public Schools' parents and guardians have registered their accounts in ParentSquare, and we want to see that number grow!

Registering your accounts in ParentSquare allows you to receive direct communication from teachers, principals, and the district, ensuring you don't miss important information.

ParentSquare also facilitates accessible two-way communication, enabling you to communicate directly with teachers in their preferred language regarding your student(s).

Learn more and activate your account: www.everettsd.org/ParentSquare (and download the free app!)

Connect with a wide range of colleges, universities, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs from Washington and beyond. The special focus will be on Washington schools, including our local community colleges, and your pathway to success starts here. Don’t miss this chance to explore your future possibilities! Middle school students and their families are encouraged to attend either Cascade or Jackson high school events.

Add these dates to your calendar.

Cascade HS | October 2, 2024 | 6-8 p.m. | Gym
HS & Beyond Family Night will take place during Curriculum Night

Jackson HS | October 9, 2024 | 5:30-7:55 p.m. | Gym & Main Building
HS & Beyond Family Night includes a large college and career fair (5:30 – 7 p.m.) and numerous break-out sessions (6:30 – 7:55 p.m.) to support student goals. Click to learn more.

Everett HS | October 22, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (families are invited to attend from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., get a visitor's badge in the gym) | Gym
HS & Beyond Family Night will take place during the school day.

Sequoia HS | October 22, 2024 | 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Everett High School gym
HS & Beyond Family Night will take place during the school day at Everett High School.

If a family cannot attend their school’s event on the designated date, they are welcome to participate in the HS & Beyond event at the other two high schools. Since Everett High hosts the event during the school day, middle school students must select either Cascade or Jackson high school events. Interpreters from prominent languages of each school will be on site.

Each year, the Everett Public Schools Foundation has generously donated funds to help cover the costs of these events for our schools. Thank you, EPS Foundation!

Looking for a more personalized education option? Sequoia High School might be the perfect fit for your student!

Sequoia focuses on three core values: choice, equity, and relationships. Our small, supportive learning environment is designed to help students succeed while preparing them for life beyond school.

Students graduate when they’re ready, with the guidance and support they need for their future!

If you're looking for a unique, individualized approach to high school, Sequoia is here to help your student grow and succeed. Learn more at www.everettsd.org/SequoiaHS.

We have a collection of short, engaging videos and helpful resources designed just for parents and families. Whether it’s academic tips, tech guidance, or school communication strategies, we’ve got you covered! Visit www.everettsd.org/ParentUniversity and explore a range of topics.

ALL families are encouraged to submit the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application to see if their child qualifies for free meals and other benefits. This form helps schools get extra funding to support students.

You can apply anytime if your family’s finances change during the school year.

The form is simple, confidential, and available to all students, regardless of immigration status. Applying helps your child and supports educational programs and services in our schools:

1. Increased funding to support student education
2. Additional funding for technology and discounts for internet and some utilities
3. Discounts for fees associated with college application process
4. Discounted fees for SAT, ACT & AP tests along with scholarship opportunities
5. Free healthy, nutritious student meals

Head to www.myschoolapps.com/Application and complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. It only takes 5 minutes!

In preparation for building your students’ future, on Oct 9, all 10th-graders will take the PSAT at no cost. All other HS students will start 3.5 hours late, with late bus transportation. The PSAT is packed with benefits for your student’s future! Go to www.everettsd.org/PSAT & discover the many benefits the PSAT offers!

Play and Learn is a free program for children from birth through age five and their parents or caregivers to have fun playing together, creating art, listening to stories, and singing songs! Sessions are held five days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at four locations.

Sessions happening now! Locations and schedules are at www.everettsd.org/PlayandLearn. For more information, contact Early Learning at 425-385-4024 or email earlylearning@everettsd.org.

We are excited to announce that, starting in November, all EPS students will have access to Sno-Isle and Everett public library resources. This partnership will broaden our students' access to ebooks, audiobooks, research databases, and online tutoring and allow them to check out physical books at the libraries.

The partnership accounts will be easily accessible from home, school, or public libraries using a student’s ID number. More details will be released at the end of October, and in November, librarians will begin showing students how they can access the Sno-Isle and Everett Public Library accounts.

If your student already has a library card at either library, they can continue to use it. However, they will also have a separate account using their EPS student ID.

To enter into this partnership, we agreed to share some data with both libraries to set up accounts. If you prefer to opt your student out of this program, please print, sign, and return this form to your school before October 15th. You do not need to do anything if you’d like them to participate.

We are looking forward to this partnership, which will give our students more access to books and digital resources!

Do you need to register to vote or update your voter information in Snohomish County? Register to vote or update your voting information.

Residents can register to vote online up to a week before Election Day or in person up to Election Day, which is November 5, 2024.

Six seniors from Henry M. Jackson High School have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists: Sudhir Chebiyyam, Dhruv Deshpande, Shreya Karthik, Nidhi Krishna, Whittaker Perrin, and Advait Roopesh. They join over 16,000 students nationwide in receiving this esteemed recognition.

Read the press release here.

Over 80 dedicated volunteers from seven Safran sites across Washington and California transformed Whittier Elementary School’s playground into a colorful and inspiring environment last Friday, September 13. Safran employees and their families spent the day enhancing the school’s campus with a burst of creativity and community spirit.

Read the press release here.

Everett Public Schools proudly announces that 49 students earned the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma™ and 38 students received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ for the 2023-24 school year. Through a rigorous, project-based curriculum, this prestigious program enhances students’ critical thinking, research, and presentation skills.

Read the press release here.

To inspire, educate, and prepare each student to achieve to high standards, contribute to our community, and thrive in a global society.