A Message from Ben Shuldiner

Dear Seattle Public Schools Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. So many wonderful culminating events have taken place during these last few weeks. I want to highlight one that I had the great fortune to witness that showed the true awesomeness of our students and the community that supports them.

On the evening of May 28, I attended the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund’s 52nd Annual Awards Celebration. This was one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever attended.

I want to thank the Trustees of the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund, who for more than 50 years have been providing financial assistance to deserving graduates from SPS for first-year, college related expenses. This year, they awarded $10,000 to more than 70 of our students.

What made the evening truly magical was that the awardees came up on stage and had a chance to tell the audience about themselves and their journey. Hearing these powerful, moving, and at times, heartbreaking stories about how our students overcame adversity, through perseverance, and dogged willpower, coupled with supports from a myriad of people, showed just how incredible these high school students are.

We heard from students who were experiencing abuse, addiction, and housing insecurity. We listened to young folks who overcame life-threatening health conditions. And over and over again we heard about how our students, our wonderful neurodiverse students, had to navigate a school system that didn’t always serve them well. But their hard work, along with support and care from friends, family, and SPS educators, put them on a path toward graduation and college.

But most importantly, we heard of their academic, extracurricular, and social successes. These students are more than their circumstances. They are scholars and athletes, writers, and video game designers. They are leaders in their school communities.

We also heard over and over again about the power of that one adult who believed in them, about the one teacher who pushed them, the one counselor who gave them shelter in the storm, that one class, or program, or activity that helped motivate them toward success. Please don’t underestimate how far even a small showing of love, kindness, and understanding can go for our students.

This celebration truly showcased the greatness that is SPS.

Thank you all for believing in SPS. With your help and hard work, SPS truly will be the best urban public school district in the country.

Ben

SPS honored five outstanding staff members who were named the Most Valuable Educator in their region. The award recognizes staff who go above and beyond the call of duty and build strong, meaningful relationships with students while modeling the district's core values of Excellence, Teamwork, and Commitment.

SPS congratulates the educators who earned National Board Certification or renewed their certification in 2025-26! Achieving National Board status is a tremendous accomplishment. SPS has nearly 500 National Board Certified teachers and administrators.

More than 70 SPS educators completed the Paraeducator Certificate Program, which offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducators. It also supports career growth for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.

Summer Learning families recently gathered at four different Seattle Public Libraries across the city for an evening of dinner, games, and learning about the many resources available to support students and families year-round. The evening created a welcoming space for families to engage, build community, and discover practical ways to support student learning at home. Families enjoyed dinner together while participating in games and activities. They left with bags filled with books, stickers, and math and reading prompts designed to encourage learning.

Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026 begin Friday, June 5, with the BRIDGES Program celebrating its students. Graduation for alternative high schools will take place June 10-12. Ceremonies for comprehensive high schools will take place at McCaw Hall June 15-17. Plan ahead by checking out McCaw Hall's procedures and expectations.