School Beat: May 7, 2025
Seattle Public Schools Newsletter
SPS Shines in State's School Recognition Program
32 Seattle Public Schools are being recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for their performance during the 2023-24 school year.
Shout Outs: Scholarships Galore, Awards, and More!
As the school year comes to an end, there’s still lots of learning to be done but even more to celebrate. From a jazz festival to a journalism conference to prestigious scholarships for seniors, we are shouting out these fabulous winners. Check out this month's SPS Shout Outs!
SPS All-Stars Grand Finale: Most Valuable Educators
Every school has that one extraordinary educator—the heart and soul of the community, the person who goes above and beyond every single day. Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on them!
We’re calling for nominations for our Most Valuable Educator—the principal, teacher, or support staff your school simply couldn’t do without. Whether they inspire students, support their colleagues, lead with passion, or bring joy to the halls, we want to hear about them! Submit your nomination by May 31.
Thank You, Teachers and Nurses
It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and May 7 is National School Nurse Day! Let's express our heartfelt gratitude for our Seattle Public Schools teachers and nurses. Thank you for the care, passion, and commitment they bring to our schools every day. Their extraordinary efforts ensure our students succeed and thrive. Join us in celebrating our amazing educators who go above and beyond to inspire, nurture, and shape the bright futures of our students!
May is also:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Arts Education Month (in Washington State)
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- National Bike Month
Other key dates and observances
May 1-7: National Physical Education and Sport Week
May 3: National School Lunch Hero Day
May 5: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6: Teacher Appreciation Day
May 7: National School Nurse Day
May 7: Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day
May 18: National Speech Pathologist Day
May 26: Memorial Day (No school)
A Night at the Art Museum
There’s still time to check out the works of art by SPS students at the Naramore Exhibition. The Teen Night Out celebratory reception is Friday, May 9. The Naramore Art Show celebrates over 200 artworks by our middle and high school students at the Seattle Art Museum Community Gallery.
Coming Soon: Free Summer Meals!
The Summer Food Service Program was established to ensure children and teens under age 18 receive free, healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks during the summer months. Summer 2025 sites will operate from June 25 through Aug. 22. Each youth can receive up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day to be eaten on site.
I've Got the Music in Me
Stay connected to music instruction over the summer with the Summer Music Program and Seattle All-City Band! The SPS Summer Music Program is for band and orchestra students entering grades 5-9, and Seattle All-City Band is for students in the graduating classes of 2025 through 2029 that participate in upwards of 20 parades and community celebrations throughout the summer.
Tossing the Cap
The commencement schedule for the Class of 2025 is posted on the district website. Check our all the high school graduation dates.
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Daniel Bagley Elementary School
- Tuesday, May 13, 5–6:30 p.m., Board Special Meeting, Superintendent Search Process
- Wednesday, May 14, 4:15 p.m., Regular Board Meeting
- Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m., Board Special Meeting
To learn more about the School Board and its work, public meetings, and upcoming policy initiatives, visit the School Board webpage.