February 8 levy for additional classroom space to house growing student population

Lake Washington School District is growing! Nearly 600 more students arrived in our schools in September than the year before. Growth is projected to continue at a rate of about 450 students per year, or as many students as there are in an average elementary school.

The proposed capital projects levy would allow the district to build additional classrooms to house the district's growing population. This proposal provides for permanent classroom space that will continue to be needed in coming years based on current student population projections. Classroom additions to Redmond High School and Eastlake High School would be built as well as a new small school open to secondary students from around the district.

Ballots will be mailed to households in January and must be postmarked by February 8. More information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the district's website.

Kindergarten registration begins February 3

Open enrollment period begins February 1

Parents and students who are interested in attending other schools within the district may want to consider an in-district transfer, which is possible if space is available. An open enrollment period from February 1 through 28 gives families the best opportunity to take advantage of these options and may result in learning earlier the outcome of a request.

Because of the growing student population in our district, fewer schools than ever can accommodate students from outside their neighborhood boundaries. Last year, 18 elementary schools and two junior high schools were closed to district students who live outside of their neighborhoods, and additional junior highs had limited availability. We expect the number will be even higher for next year. The closed school list will be posted on the district website on February 1. Please review that list before applying for an in-district transfer. Call 425-936-1283 for more information.

Second set of elementary student-involved conferences scheduled for January

Elementary level student-involved conferences in October allowed students to set goals and reflect on his/her work with significant adults in his/her life. Because of the change to student-involved conferences, you (as parents) are able to be more involved in academic goals your child has set for him or herself and better understand how to support attaining his or her goals.

Another set of conferences is scheduled for January 27, 28 and 30 in the afternoons (these will be half-days for elementary students). These conferences will give you, your student and their teacher an opportunity to check in on how your student is doing in working toward their goals this year. These conferences will allow your child an opportunity to show you work that shows the progress that they have made towards the goals that they set in October. Students will be able to show evidence of growth on each of the goals. Goals can then be revised or replaced based upon student progress.

This conference is also an opportunity for you (as parents) to review the student's elementary report card from the first semester with your child's teacher.

To prepare for January Conferences:  

• Your child's teacher will communicate with you regarding the conference schedule on January 27, 28 or 30.
• Plan to bring your child with you to those conferences, unless your student's teacher has communicated otherwise. 
• Plan to bring a quiet activity for your child to do while you meet with his/her teacher privately.

Elementary report cards coming soon

With the change to twice yearly report cards for elementary students, the first report card of the year will be issued at the end of this month. A letter accompanying the report card explains the district's standards-based grading system and how to interpret what you see on the report card. Grading scales that specify what students must achieve to receive a specific grade in a specific content area are posted on the district website. Click on your student's grade level to learn more about how your student will be graded. It's a good time now to check your student's online grades in Parent Access to see how they have been doing since the beginning of the year. That way, the report card won't bring any surprises.

Online Academy offers additional course choices for district high school students