School Beat: April 1, 2026

In their first appearence in the Global Reading Challenge, John Stanford International's team, the Global Banananana Pancake Group, outread the competition to win the 31st annual reading trivia contest.

This quarter, the All-Star Awards celebrate our Way Makers—educators and support staff who clear obstacles, open doors, and create pathways for student growth.

Every school has that person — the one who shows up early, stays late, lifts others up, and somehow makes everything run smoother. The SPS All‑Stars Most Valuable Educator Award honors the principal, teacher, or support staff member who goes above and beyond every single day — the backbone of their school community and the heart and soul of the work.

Know someone your school simply couldn’t do without? Nominate them today! Nominations close Friday, May 1.

Sanislo Elementary reopened Miss Dez’s Boutique, the school’s food pantry and essentials hub, providing families with food, clothing, and school supplies in a welcoming, stigma‑free space. The boutique is led by Washington School Social Worker of the Year Dezirae Brown.

We're shouting out a wave of honors that highlight the extraordinary talent, dedication, and impact of students and staff across the district. Together, these achievements reflect the strength, creativity, and community-centered work happening across the district.

From literacy celebrations and student-led seminars to arts partnerships, family engagement, and community care, the Regional School News Roundup highlights the powerful teaching and learning happening across our schools.

We’re celebrating another standout chapter of student achievement across Seattle Public Schools—one where academic success and athletic excellence go hand in hand.

Artwork from every Montlake Elementary student is on display at Cannonball Arts in Mega Super, a collaborative exhibition celebrating creativity, inclusion, and community partnerships.

Students, families, and community members from Southeast Seattle schools came together for a Bike Disco—a fun, family‑friendly celebration that promoted healthy movement, safe streets, and community connection.

School Library Month is a special time to recognize the essential role school libraries play in transforming learning and inspiring students. This month, we celebrate the school librarians and library staff who champion literacy and create welcoming spaces for students. From helping students find their next great read to teaching research skills, our school libraries are at the heart of learning.

Other Key Dates and Observances

April is also Arab American Heritage Month, Volunteer Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

April 2: Autism Awareness Day

April 6-10: National Assistant Principals Week

April 7: End of Quarter 3

April 13-17: Spring Break (No School)

April 22: Earth Day

April 22: Administrative Professionals Day

Join us online tomorrow, April 2, from 6–7:30 p.m., where Superintendent Ben Shuldiner will host a virtual community conversation. This is an easy and convenient way to connect, listen, and share your thoughts from wherever you are. Registration is required.

In keeping safety at the forefront of the district, Seattle Public Schools launched the SaferWatch app, an innovative way for our schools to ensure the safety of all staff and students. SaferWatch enables students, staff, and community members to report safety concerns—such as suspicious behavior, threats, or indicators of violence—anonymously and anytime.

Preschool applications are now open for the 2026–27 school year through Seattle Public Schools. The Seattle Preschool Program and the Head Start preschool program are both accepting applications. Both programs offer high‑quality, evidence‑based early learning experiences that support children’s growth, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten.

The Naramore Art Show celebrates over 200 works of art by students in SPS middle and high schools. The exhibit runs until May 31 at the Seattle Art Museum. There will be a Teen Night Out celebratory reception on Friday, May 1, after the exhibition. Be sure to go check it out!

The 2026 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks in May beginning Monday, May 4. Find out when your exam will be given.

Graduation is right around the corner. SPS will hold 10 high school graduation ceremonies at McCaw Hall. Families can find the full graduation schedule and a list of frequently asked questions on the district website.

Join us at a Culinary Services Open House and Interview Fair and take the first step toward serving students across Seattle. The next event takes place on Tuesday, April 21, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.

Learn more about the School Board and its work, public meetings, and upcoming policy initiatives.

At the March 11 Regular Board Meeting, Superintendent Shuldiner and the School Board recognized the Rainier Beach boys basketball team for their back-to-back state title win, and the Roosevelt girls basketball team for reaching the state semi-finals. They also participated in a robust discussion about grants and the Student Assignment Transition Plan.

Applications are now open to apply to be a 2026-27 School Board Student Representative. Students entering their senior year are eligible to apply for a one-year term and students entering their junior year are eligible for a two-year term.

• Finance and Audit Committee: April 20, 10 a.m.
• Regular Board Meeting: April 22, 4:15 p.m.
• Policy Committee, April 29, 2 - 4 p.m.
• Operations Committee, April 30, 1 -3 p.m.