School Beat: January 7, 2026

SPS marked a milestone in environmental education with the planting of its first Miyawaki-style mini forest at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in December. The nearly 4,000-square-foot forest features 1,000 native plants representing 40 species of trees, shrubs, and groundcover. The project creates a living laboratory for students while delivering significant environmental benefits to the community.

More than 500 SPS students in grades 4–8 gathered for the annual First LEGO League robotics competition, showcasing vibrant creativity and collaboration. The event featured 55 teams from 44 schools, twice the number of schools that participated last year.

More than 4,000 SPS students participated in Hour of Code during Computer Science Week in December. Each year, the Career and Technical Education and Digital Learning departments partner with tech companies and area universities to bring guest presenters out to share their knowledge and career paths with students.

Students at elementary schools and K-8 schools welcomed guests from MineCraft, Amazon, and Microsoft this year. Middle and high school students were visited by Google employees and University of Washington students.

From inspiring young writers at Sand Point Elementary to empowering student leaders at Chief Sealth International High School, SPS is making big strides in engagement and opportunity.

All schools and central office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day honors Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and service, reminding us to continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Other key dates and observances

January is School Board Recognition Month.

Jan. 16: Temperance and Good Citizenship Day

Jan. 27: End of Quarter 2

Jan. 28: Semester 2 begins

Every year, Seattle Public Schools offers Open Enrollment for School Choice, allowing families to apply to schools outside their assigned attendance area. This year, the open enrollment window is Jan. 5-31. The Enrollment team is hosting a virtual information session on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7-8 p.m. to explain the enrollment process.

Come out for the SPS Enrollment Fair on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the John Stanford Center. Ask questions about the upcoming school year, learn more about Open Enrollment for School Choice, and discover some of the many outstanding programs in Seattle Public Schools!

Join us at the SPS Registration Fair on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John Stanford Center (2445 3rd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134). District staff will be available to provide hands-on assistance with enrollment and school choice applications.

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship program is built to provide high school seniors with up to $40,000 for college and summer internship opportunities at Amazon. This scholarship offers more than just funding — it combines financial support, a paid internship opportunity, mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community of tech professionals. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 15.

Applications for the Seattle Skills Center’s 2026-27 school year courses will be available on the Skills Center website beginning Thursday, Jan. 15. The Seattle Skills Center prepares students for college, career, and life through advanced Career and Technical Education courses.

There are a wide range of career pathways at several locations around the city like Maritime Vessel Operations, Media Arts: Creating for Social Media, Video Game Design, and Careers in Educations/Teaching Academy. Classes work best for 11th and 12th grade students.

A virtual open house is in the works! Keep an eye on the Skills Center webpage for updates and details.

Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on AP Exams. The request for accommodations must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 16, to the College Board. Students must be approved for accommodations by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities office.

There are times where inclement weather may change the normal school schedule. As winter approaches, review how to get urgent weather information. Make sure your contact information is current so you don't miss important weather updates.

You can also visit SDOT’s Winter Weather Response website for snow route maps and more tips on how to prepare for winter.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is no longer allowing remote learning during inclement weather school closures. If schools close due to weather, SPS will use designated make-up days at the end of the school year to recover lost instructional time.

The City of Seattle will continue its commitment to food equity by investing more than $1.45 million in a diverse group of 23 community partners for 2026. These organizations deliver free meals, share traditional food knowledge, support elders and youth, grow fresh produce, and sustain local food organizations. Learn more about the Food Equity Fund.

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

• Board Special Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 14, 4:30 p.m.
• Regular Board Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 21, 4:30 p.m.
• Board Special Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 28, 4:30 p.m.