District News

November is:

November is Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of Indigenous communities. This month provides an opportunity to recognize the rich heritage and contributions of Native American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, from their ancestral knowledge and traditions to their resilience and ongoing influence on our society.

In the event of severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies, Everett Public Schools may adjust schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff. We aim to inform families and staff about any schedule changes by 5:30 a.m. using multiple communication methods.

How we notify families and staff

• Email
• Text
• Voice message (if no text message is received)
• Push notification (if you have the ParentSquare app)
• District social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)
• District and school websites
• Local radio and TV news

Ways to access emergency schedule information

• FlashAlert.net: Subscribe for direct notifications or check for regional school information.
• Everett Public Schools website
• ParentSquare app: Calls to families begin at 5:30 a.m. (please keep your contact information up to date)
• Social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)

If no announcement is made, schools will operate on a normal schedule. Emergency schedule decisions are made on a day-by-day basis unless otherwise communicated.

School programs impacted during delays or closures

• Program Impact Chart: Shows how school programs and activities are affected during emergencies.
• School Bus Snow Routes: Information on 2-hour delay and regular start snow routes for buses is available. Drop-off and pick-up locations may change in emergencies; familiarize yourself with snow route details.

Emergency early dismissal

In rare cases, emergency conditions may require an early dismissal. Families will be notified via the same methods listed above. Authorized individuals (listed on the school emergency form) may pick up students if needed. School staff will stay on site until all students are safely picked up.

Family emergency plans

Consider the following when creating an emergency plan:

• Alternative routes if your child’s regular bus stop is inaccessible
• A designated place for your child to go if they need help
• Backup caregivers if you cannot reach home
• A contact person for your child to call in an emergency
• Communication plans if power or phone services are down
• Location of emergency supplies, including a battery-operated radio

Emergency contacts

Each year, parents are asked to update their child’s emergency contacts. If your contact information changes, please notify your school to ensure you receive timely notifications and updates in emergencies.

Everett Public Schools is offering Transitional Kindergarten for children who are not currently in an early learning program and are scheduled to begin Kindergarten in the fall of 2025. The program will focus on basic academic, social, and self-help skills to jumpstart qualifying students toward success in school. It is not an enrichment or an advanced learning program. Students will be screened in mid-November and early December 2024 and may qualify based on academic and social-emotional needs.

The Transitional Kindergarten classrooms will be located at several elementary schools in our district; sites will be determined based on enrollment and space. The start date is Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with Family Connection Meetings on January 24, 27, and 28. Transitional Kindergarten will run through the last day of school, June 17, 2025.

To be eligible for screening, children must:

• be 5 years old by August 31, 2025
• live within the boundaries of Everett Public Schools
• not be currently enrolled in an early learning program such as: licensed childcare, preschool, co-op preschool, ECEAP, Head Start, etc.
• demonstrate academic and/or social-emotional needs through a screening process

If you are interested in Transitional Kindergarten and believe your child may qualify for this program, please visit our website: www.everettsd.org/transitionalkindergarten and submit the ‘Interest Form’. The deadline to submit Interest Forms is Friday, December 13, 2024. For assistance, contact Rola Bachour, Program Coordinator, at (425) 385-4290 or earlylearning@everettsd.org.

Encourage your children to express their creativity and share their voices by participating in the 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prodigies for Peace Essay and Art Contest, sponsored by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to honor Dr. King's legacy and promote peace through art and writing.

Important Details:

• Deadline for Entries: December 20, 2024
• Awards Presentation: Join us for the celebration of winners at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King Day in January 2025.

Don't miss out on this chance for your students to shine! Access the entry form and encourage them to submit their work. Let’s inspire the next generation to be agents of change!

All students in Everett Public Schools now have access to resources at both Everett Public Libraries and Sno-Isle Libraries, using a simple username and password for both. This partnership has expanded our students' access to ebooks, audiobooks, physical books, databases, and other digital resources.

This month, librarians will begin introducing the public library resources to students and helping them log in. It won't be all at once, but usernames and passwords will stay the same as long as the student is in the district. Please check with your school librarian for more information.

If you prefer to keep your student from accessing the public libraries, you can opt them out by filling out this form and returning it to your child's school.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s robotics team, Team 2910: Jack in the Bot, claimed its first-ever victory at the Chezy Champs competition, held September 27-29, 2024, in San Jose, California. This prestigious win marks the first time a team has won both Chezy Champs and the Indiana Robotics Invitational (IRI) in the same year.

Read the press release here.

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.