School Beat: March 5, 2025

Nathan Hale High School hosted a special ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its student exchange program with Naha Senior High School in Okinawa, Japan.

High school students in the pre-apprenticeship program visited the Local 86 Ironworkers Apprenticeship program for a day of hands-on learning. The Seattle Public Schools Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship is one of just a few high school-based pre-apprenticeships in the state, giving our graduates a jump starts on construction careers.

We're excited to celebrate the incredible individuals who make a difference in Seattle Public Schools! Our next honor is the Opportunity Award. We’re shining a special spotlight on the hard work and dedication of staff members who are creating pathways and opening doors for student growth. Nominations are open until Wednesday, March 12.

March is Women's History Month. From the classroom to the community, women have played a vital role in shaping education and empowering future generations. Seattle Public Schools proudly honors this year's theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations."

Other Key Dates and Observances

March is also Music in Our Schools Month.

March 2: National Read Across America Day

March 3-7: National Social Worker Week

March 9: Billy Frank Jr. Day

March 9: Daylight Saving Time Begins (Don't forget to "spring forward" one hour)!

March 19: End of Trimester 2

March 20: First Day of Spring
March 31: International Trans Day of Visibility

High school students can earn and learn this summer through Career and Technical Education Career Quest internships.

Seattle/King County Clinic returns for its 10th year on April 24-27 to provide FREE dental, vision, and medical services to anyone who struggles to access and/or afford care. No ID or proof of income, insurance, or immigration status is required, and patients do not need to be residents of Seattle or King County to receive care. Interpreters will be available. A limited number of admission tickets will be handed out each day starting at 5:30 a.m. at Fisher Pavilion on a first come, first served basis.

Do you know an amazing principal, educator, counselor, or staff member making a difference in Seattle Public Schools? Now’s your chance to recognize their impact by nominating them for one of the The Alliance for Education awards.

School Choice forms for the 2025-26 school year are now available for submission. Applications received in February will receive priority. SPS will continue to accept School Choice forms until May 31. These applications are prioritized based on the date the application is received.

SPS will offer the fun and educational Summer Music Program for students this July! SPS Summer Music is a way for students to continue their music learning over summer break.

• Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 12, at 4:15 p.m. at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.
• Engagement session on Wednesday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Rainier Beach High School.

District Goals and Guardrails

New Board Policies 0020 Goals for the District and 0025 Guardrails for the District were adopted by the Board in January after months of engagement with students, staff, families, and the broader community. These Goals and Guardrails will underly the district’s 2025-2030 strategic plan.

To learn more about the School Board and its work, public meetings, and upcoming policy initiatives, visit the School Board webpage.