Doc's Dugout

I hope you are all off to a great start this school year. Thank you for everything you have done to make these first few weeks of the “season” successful. Together, we will carry this energy forward!

In this first issue of Doc's Dugout for the 2025-26 school year, I will focus on the following topics:

• Purpose and intent of Doc’s Dugout
• Strategic Plan – upcoming survey for the next five years
• State test results
• Core Value Champions
• North Middle School 100th celebration
• Together We: Community connection project

For those new to Everett Public Schools, you may ask, "What is Doc’s Dugout?" This monthly publication to staff is my way of sharing important district information, highlighting growth areas, and celebrating our work. Just like a dugout is a place for planning and teamwork, I believe these updates will help you understand the intricacies of our district and how we put students first every day.

Our mission, vision, strategic plan, and the work we do every day, are all centered around student achievement. We define achievement as students making progress toward, and ultimately meeting, established standards.

Everett Public Schools is developing the next phase of its strategic plan, and we need you to participate. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey, which will be available starting October 6. It takes less than five minutes and will be open through October 31. There will be designated time on Friday, October 10, as part of the Learning Improvement Day (LID) for all staff to take the survey. Your feedback will help shape the future of our schools.

OSPI has shared the official spring 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) data for all districts in our state. These results are for students who were in grades 3 through 8, as well as grades 10 and 11, during the 2024-25 school year.

Our students continue to surpass the state average and consistently outperform neighboring districts. We are incredibly proud of their progress and deeply grateful for your dedication and hard work.

Even with these accomplishments, we understand there is still important work to be done. We will continue to target areas for improvement and provide resources for our students to succeed.

We are proud to recognize our remarkable students for embodying our Core Values. Each month, schools select one student who has exemplified that month's featured Core Value. For September, the Core Value is Respect. Students from three to four schools will be recognized as Core Value Champions at our school board meetings. The first recognition for Respect will take place at the October 14 school board meeting.

Our Core Values are learning, equity, passion, respect, diversity, collaboration, and integrity and are integral to our strategic plan.

North Middle School marked its 100th anniversary with a community celebration honoring a century of learning, growth, and connection. Students, staff, families, and generations of alumni gathered to share memories and reflect on the school’s legacy in Everett. The event highlighted the school’s historic roots and its ongoing role as a community cornerstone. For many, it was the first time they walked the halls since the renovated building opened to students in the fall of 2019, a project made possible through the 2016 voter-approved bond. North looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence for the next 100 years.

This year, Everett Public Schools is celebrating the amazing work happening every day in our 28 schools like never before. From academics and arts to athletics and innovation, we inspire, achieve, and thrive together. We are highlighting the dedication, diversity, and excellence that make our community strong and our future bright.

To help us share your story, click here to fill out a Microsoft Form.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our students and community. Your efforts truly make a difference every day.

Be safe & be well,

Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent