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May Greetings North Families!
How are we here already? With the arrival of May comes the realization that this is the final full month of school remaining in this 2025/2026 school year. Well underway are plans for year-end celebrations and the transitions that come with summer. This is always a special stretch of time, and May brings several meaningful celebrations, beginning with Teacher Appreciation Week (this week) and Mother’s Day on Sunday. These moments invite us to pause and express gratitude to those who give so much of themselves.
As we look ahead to the coming weekend, we want to wish a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible caregivers and nurturers in our lives. This includes everyone who fulfills the vital role of motherhood. Your selfless love is a model for us all.
On campus, May is also synonymous with the rigors of state testing. This past Tuesday, a majority of our students began the reading portion of our exams. This will continue over the next several weeks, with testing taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please review the update below for details related to testing.
We also want to extend one final invitation to you and your family to join us tomorrow night (Thursday, May 7th) for Multicultural Night 2026. This family-friendly event purposefully celebrates the many cultures that make North Everett such a special place to live, learn, and grow. The evening is filled with student performances, food, presentations, and other opportunities to celebrate of STARs. Doors open at 5:30pm for this drop-in style event. All are welcome and we certainly hope that you can join us.
Thank you for taking the time to read our monthly newsletter. We truly value your participation, partnership, and ongoing support.
With Gratitude,
Holly, Drew, & Tyler
North Middle School
HSullivan@everettsd.org - ABaeWilliams@everettsd.org - TReam@everettsd.org
Phone: 425-385-4800
Remaining State Testing Dates:
- 5/5 - 5/7: English Language Arts (ELA) Computer Adaptive Test
- 5/11 - 5/14: Math Computer Adaptive Test
- 5/18 - 5/20: ELA and Math Performance Tasks
Note: Make-up testing will take place on each of the days not already reserved for scheduled testing (above dates). Make-up testing will also continue into early June.
- 5/4 - 5/8: Teacher Appreciation Week
- 5/7: Multicultural Night '26 (5:30pm/North Commons)
- 5/12: May PTA Meeting (6:30pm)
- 5/13: District Track Championships (4:00pm/Memorial Stadium)
- 5/15: PTA Movie Night (6:00pm/North Commons)
- 5/19: Mayor Franklin's Student Panel at North (3:00pm/North Library)
- 5/25: (No School) Memorial Day Observed
- 5/28: Spring (Post SBA) Dance (3:00pm)
- 5/28: Middle School Art Show (6:00pm/EPS Community Resource Center)
- 5/29: Yearend Band, Orchestra, and Choir Event (5:00pm/North Commons)
Other Upcoming Dates of Note:
- 6/1: North PTA MOD Pizza Night (LINK)
- 6/4: Drama Showcase Event (6:00pm/North Commons)
- 6/5: Early Dismissal (12:20pm dismissal for all students)
- 6/6: PTA Car Show at North (9:00am to 2:00pm/NMS South Parking Lot - LINK)
- 6/10: EHS Grad Walk 9:30am – 10:00am
- 6/10: Eighth Grade - Celebration of Learning + Dance (5:00pm/Commons & Gym)
- 6/13: Everett High School Graduation (3:00pm/Angel of the Winds Arena)
- 6/15: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Early Dismissal (12:20pm dismissal for all students)
- 9/2: Anticipated Opening Day: 2026/27 School Year (LINK)
Athletics Schedules:
For additional dates related to the forthcoming 2025/2026 school year, please see our 25/26 Everett Public Schools Calendar.
Multicultural Night 2026 Tomorrow Night!
Our North Multicultural Night is tomorrow evening, Thursday, May 7th. This family-friendly event takes place here on campus, in our North Commons and Courtyard.
This community-wide celebration is a favorite, filled with music, student works, art, food, student performances and more. Doors open at 5:30pm and our event ends at 7:30pm. This is a drop-in event so please feel free to come by and join us!
Honoring Our North Teachers!
This week, North joins schools and communities across our community, state, and country in celebrating our teachers. While the impact of education is something we appreciate every day, this dedicated week offers a special opportunity to recognize the remarkable educators who make such a difference in our students’ lives here at North.
Our North PTA will be helping lead the way with treats and thoughtful gestures throughout the week on behalf of our community. We invite all students and families to take part in the celebration as a simple thank you note or email will go a long way towards honoring our exceptional team of teachers here at North. Their dedication, care, and commitment shape our school in countless ways.
Handle Hard Better
Last week, our eighth graders officially opened the 2026 state testing season by taking the WCAS Science exam. This week, our sixth and seventh graders join in, as a majority of our STARs are participating in the English Language Arts Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Dates for each state assessment can be found above in the Important Upcoming Dates section.
Our message to students is intentionally simple, Compete. By compete we mean, give your best today so you can grow forward. Growth is at the heart of who we are as a school, and it remains our schoolwide focus. Our students have spent nearly nine months preparing for this moment, and we are confident they are ready. With that in mind, we ask for your support in helping them meet their daily responsibilities during these next three weeks.
To set students up for success, we have a few important reminders:
Chromebooks should be fully charged at home each night and brought to school ready for use.
Students should get plenty of rest during testing weeks and arrive on time each morning, prepared for first period.
A solid dinner the night before and a healthy breakfast the morning of testing are also key contributors to student performance.
When we encourage our learners to “compete,” what we are asking is that they compete with their former selves. This mindset intentionally emphasizes growth and the important notion message of effort over perfection. Nearly all of our STARs have taken Washington state assessments before, and this spring’s exams offer a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate the progress they’ve made over the past nine months. We believe in their ability to “handle hard better” and to give their all on each of the four upcoming tests.
Note: "Handle Hard Better" is a philosophy popularized by Kara Lawson, the Head Coach of Duke University's Women's Basketball Team (LINK)
Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This month, we have a meaningful opportunity to come together in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month). Throughout May, we recognize and honor the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially within our North Everett community and larger Seattle community. From the vibrant traditions of East and Southeast Asia to the unique heritage of the Pacific Islands, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and strength of these communities - past, present, and future.
We invite you and your family to join us in honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Together, we know that learning about one another’s stories helps build a more inclusive and connected community. AAPI Heritage Month offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen that understanding, and we welcome your participation as we learn and celebrate throughout May.
Honoring Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM)
May is also Jewish American Heritage Month and likewise, provides our school and community with time dedicated to recognizing the profound contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our collective history, culture, science, arts, and civic life. This month invites us to celebrate a rich and diverse heritage while deepening our understanding of the experiences, achievements, and resilience of Jewish communities locally and across our shared nation.
At North, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to question, learn, reflect, and engage. Across the coming weeks, our students will encounter stories, historical spotlights, and cultural insights through morning announcements, scrolling announcements, and dedicated communal learning experiences. These moments are designed to help students appreciate the tremendous value of Jewish American heritage and to foster a school environment rooted in curiosity, respect, and inclusion. By weaving these learning opportunities into our daily routines, we hope to inspire students to recognize the importance of diverse voices in shaping our shared story.
Post SBA Party/Dance: Thursday, May 28th
To celebrate the hard work and perseverance of our STARs, we are excited to host a Post‑SBA Party (our Spring Dance) for all sixth, seventh, and eighth graders on Thursday, May 28th. This event will be free for students who earn their ticket by 1) giving their best effort and 2) demonstrating respect for others throughout state testing.
The celebration will begin right after school and run from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Students will enjoy music/live DJ, food, games, and a variety of engaging activities. As we wrap up this year’s testing season, we want our STARs to take pride in their growth and this schoolwide celebration will be well deserved.
Additional Notes:
Students may be picked up at 5:00pm, or if they normally ride the bus, post‑party buses will run to regular stops.
Because the dance begins immediately after school, students will leave backpacks and belongings in the Commons, where our North team will ensure they remain secure.
Students may not leave the event and return.
Guests are not permitted; this is a North‑only celebration.
Parent/guardian volunteers are welcome. Please contact the North office if you are interested in helping.
8th Grade Celebration of Learning: Wednesday June 10th
Each spring, we have the honor of celebrating our eighth graders as they move up to high school. Of all of the levels (elementary, middle, high, college), we get our students for the least number of years but in their short three years with us, our STARs become a significant part of our lives and frankly, we will miss them. They enter as wide-eyed sixth graders and exit ready for high school and beyond. To honor that growth, we are hosting a family celebration, our Celebration of Learning, on the evening of Wednesday, June 10th.
This is a two-part event with an event for our eighth graders and families (5:00pm) followed by our students-only party (6:00pm to 8:00pm). Forthcoming is a more formal invitation with additional details. For now, please keep June 10th circled on your calendars as we collectively honor our eighth graders.
Register Now: Athletics 2026/27
Registration opened for all 2026/2027 sports on Monday, May 4th. Families that are interested in their child participating in an school-related sport next school year are encourage to engage in our registration process this spring.
A couple of related notes –
- To register for 2026/2027 sports, families are required to complete the associated form in Final Forms (Please CLICK HERE for access). Once logged in, please CLICK TO SWTICH TO 2026-27 REGISTRATION and follow the prompts.
- Students who are interested in summer sports/activities must submit current/updated Final Forms to participate.
- Health plans and related medication authorizations from the 2025/2026 school year are good through July 31st. Families do NOT need to turn in new health plans/med plans to be eligible for forthcoming summer camps/activities/open gyms, etc.).
Four Honored as PTA Award Recipients
Our North PTA announced the recipients of the 2026 PTA Awards, recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication, advocacy, and service to our North community.
Holly Sullivan, Assistant Principal, will be honored as one of two Outstanding Student Advocate honorees for her tireless work in creating supportive, fair, and effective systems that positively shape our school culture for both students and staff.
Amber Buehler, Health Room Assistant, is also being recognized as Outstanding Advocate Award honoree in thanks to her compassionate support of students through her work in the health room and her involvement/support of our Equity team, GSA Club, and Art Club.
Michelle Ulke, Extended Resource Teacher, will be honored as our 2026 Outstanding Educator Award recipient for her exceptional commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her students and making a lasting impact on their growth and success.
North Parent Becca Holcombe will be honored as our 2026 Golden Acorn Award for her longstanding dedication and service as a volunteer to North. In her three years supporting our school, Becca has made numerous, meaningful contributions that have strengthened our North PTA and enriched our school community as a whole.
Congratulations to all four of our 2026 honorees and thank you for all that you do for our STARs here at North. We look forward to celebrating you at the 2026 PTA Awards event later this month.
PTA Cruise Fundraiser: Summer 2027
All are welcome! Each double occupancy room raises $200 for North PTA through our partnership with Dream Vacations by Philip and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Teacher, Military, and First Responder discounts are available. Please see the attached/below flyer for more details and contact information for questions.
Community Resources: May Edition
As needs arise this May and beyond, please consider our team at North as a resource for you and your family. We can help with resources including everyday food/meals and anticipated needs across this month and beyond. In addition, please click on the below button/link to access a resource guide that we have curated, full of information related to local, partner organizations.
EPS: District News for May
The May edition of our district's newsletter is avaliable and full of needed information ahead of this new month. Please CLICK HERE to access this month's district news.
Everett Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Officer and ADA Coordinator, Shawn Bryant, 425-385-4117, SBryant@everettsd.org
Section 504 Coordinator, Dave Peters, 425-385-4063, DPeters@everettsd.org
Gender-Inclusive Coordinator, Joi Odom Grant, 425-385-4137, JGrant@everettsd.org.