Hawks
Heatherwood Middle School | March Newsletter
Dear Heatherwood families,
March is an exciting and vibrant month at Heatherwood Middle School! We are officially in full swing as we head toward spring break and SBA testing. These next five weeks bring uninterrupted teaching and learning—an important stretch of time for growth, skill-building, and preparation. Consistent attendance, strong study habits, and encouragement from home make a tremendous difference. Let’s keep the momentum going, Hawks!
We are also excited to welcome our future Hawks and their families to our Annual 5th Grade Family Night on March 5 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. This special evening is an opportunity for incoming students and families to learn more about Heatherwood, meet staff members, explore programs, and begin the transition to middle school. Another exciting grade level event is the preparation our 8th grade students and families are doing to get prepared for high school. On March 19, Jackson High School staff will be hosting our annual JHS Transition Day. All students will be registering for 2026-2027 classes by the end of March.
Mark Your Calendars! The Everett Public Schools Foundation invites you to The Big Give Showdown on March 31 at Jackson High School. This exciting evening celebrates the incredible work happening across our schools. Join the community pre-game from 6–7 p.m. featuring classroom grant showcases, interactive activities, food trucks (prices vary), and raffles. Then stay to cheer on Heatherwood’s team as they compete in a lively game-show challenge for the coveted Everett Cup beginning at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend.
We also hope you will join us for Heatherwood Multicultural Night on April 16. This special evening celebrates the rich diversity of our school community through food, performances, and cultural displays. It is always a highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community.
Remember to spring forward and set your clock’s ahead for Daylight Savings time this Sunday, March 8.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s a busy and exciting season at Heatherwood—let’s make it a great March, Hawks!
Sincerely,
Heatherwood Middle School Administration
Dr. Laura Wellington, Principal and Mr. Chris Doll, Assistant Principal
March 5 – 5th Grade Family Night at Heatherwood MS – 6:00 – 7:30pm
March 6 – LIF Day 1:35pm release
March 10 – 8th Grade Family Night at Jackson High School
March 13 – LIF Day 1:35pm release
March 19 – JHS 8th Grade Transition Conferences in Heatherwood Library
March 20 – LIF Day 1:35pm release
March 25 – Spring Band Concert at Everett Civic Auditorium – 7:00pm
March 31 – The Big Give Showdown at JHS – 7:00pm
Natural Leaders at Heatherwood
Join the Natural Leaders Program!
We’re excited to share the Natural Leaders program, a unique family engagement program that uplifts and empowers families from multicultural backgrounds. This program supports families in navigating the education system and helps address inequalities through a strengths-based approach.
By joining, you will gain valuable tools, strategies, and knowledge to build strong relationships within our school community, and your voice will be heard. Natural Leaders are at the heart of building bridges between families and schools—helping all children thrive.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Reach out to heatherwoodnl@everettsd.org—or join us at our upcoming events to connect and learn more!
To learn more about the Natural Leaders program, visit https://www.everettsd.org/Page/38935.
Upcoming Events:
5th Grade Family Night
Date: Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Heatherwood Middle School
Multicultural Night
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Time 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Heatherwood upper/lower gyms
A Word From Our Counselors
March into Planning: 2026-27 School Year Pre-Registration Begins!
Happy March, Heatherwood Families!
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a crucial step in preparing for the next school year: Pre-registration! This month, we'll be providing students with all the information and materials they need to select their courses for the 2026-27 academic year.
Why do we start so early? This proactive approach allows us to accurately assess student interest in various subject areas, determine staffing needs, and begin building a comprehensive master schedule. To ensure we can create the best possible learning environment for your children, we need firm commitments from each student regarding their course selections. Below, you'll find important dates and details specific to each grade level. Please take a moment to review this information and mark your calendars.
Important Pre-Registration Information:
- Pre-Reg Information Hub: We encourage you to visit the Heatherwood Counseling Website. You'll find a dedicated tab for each grade level, packed with up-to-date information, frequently asked questions, and valuable resources. This website is your go-to source for all things pre-registration.
- School Counselor Support: Please understand that due to the high volume of inquiries during this busy period, response times may take longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we balance the added pre-registration duties with our ongoing daily responsibilities. Please be assured that student safety remains our top priority.
- Course Selection Importance: Accurate course selection is vital for creating a balanced and effective master schedule. It's important to discuss course selections carefully with your student, as their choices directly impact the availability of classes and resources. Student selections, made in collaboration with parents, will be entered into Synergy. Please note that these selections are used to build the master schedule, and changes can not be made after they have been entered into Synergy.
Grade-Specific Details & Dates:
- 8th Grade (Class of 2030)
- Thursday, March 19, 2026: High School Transition Conferences will take place in the Heatherwood Library during the school day. These student-specific appointments, where a Jackson High School staff member will discuss course selections with you and your child. Appointment times will be sent out this week…if you have not received your specific time by Friday, March 13th, please let us know.
- More information can be found on the following websites:
- 7th and 6th Grade (Class of 2031 and 2032)
- Friday, March 6th: Pre-registration information goes home! Students will watch an instructional video during Hawk Time and receive course materials (EPS Middle School Course Catalog and grade-specific pre-registration forms). Materials will be posted on the Heatherwood Counseling website Friday, March 6th.
- March 18th - Registration paperwork needs to be turned into science teachers for 6th and 7th grade
- March 23rd - Ms. Freeman in Lanigan
- March 24th - Ms. Freeman in Corbett
- March 25th - Ms. Freeman in Hansen
- March 6-20: We encourage students to work closely with their parents/guardians to thoughtfully plan their 2026-27 course selections. Remember, the course catalog and instructional video will be available on the Heatherwood Counseling website section for current 6th and 7th graders.
- Week of March 23rd: It's time to finalize course selections! Students will enter their choices into Synergy during science class visits from Ms. Arpin and Ms. Freeman. Paper pre-registration forms will also be collected. Remember, these Synergy entries are final and cannot be altered.
We are excited to partner with you and your students as we plan for a successful 2026-27 school year!
The Heatherwood Middle School Counseling Team
Jana Freeman (Class of 2032), jfreeman@everettsd.org, 425-385-6310
Myra Flor Arpin (Class of 2031), marpin@everettsd.org, 425-385-6314
Jocelyn Smith (Class of 2030 and 2033), jsmith1@everettsd.org, 425-385-6313
Heatherwood ASB
ASB elections are coming up this April! This is a wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in leadership to get involved and make a positive impact at our school. ASB representatives play an important role in planning school events, organizing spirit days, and representing student voice.
More information about how students can run for office and key election dates will be shared soon. We encourage you to talk with your student about this exciting leadership opportunity and how they might like to get involved.