District News
September, 2024
A message from the superintendent
Dear Everett Public Schools community,
Happy Fall! As October unfolds, I want to take a moment to reflect on the great start we have had to the school year. Walking through our schools, I see classrooms filled with curiosity, collaboration, and care. From our youngest learners just beginning their educational journey to our seniors preparing for graduation and beyond, there is a shared sense of purpose that reminds us why we do this important work.
October is also a time when many of our schools are welcoming families for conferences and events. These moments are more than just check-ins; they are opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Your involvement in your child’s learning journey makes a powerful difference, and we are grateful for the time you take to connect with teachers and staff.
I also want to highlight the many ways families can stay connected. Through ParentSquare, school newsletters, and district updates, we are committed to keeping communication clear and accessible. Staying informed helps ensure that families and schools can work hand-in-hand to support students academically and socially.
Looking ahead, October brings celebrations of learning, athletic competitions, music and arts performances, and community events that showcase the talents and passions of our students. I encourage you to attend when you can. These experiences are a wonderful reminder of the vibrant and diverse community we are fortunate to serve.
As we continue through the fall, I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our families, and the determination of our students. Together, we are building a school community where every student is seen, supported, and given the tools to thrive.
Thank you for your partnership and for making Everett Public Schools a place where students can dream big and achieve even more.
Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent
Have about 5 Minutes? Help Shape the Future of EPS
We are building the next phase of Everett Public Schools’ strategic plan, and your input is vital. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback will guide our work to best serve all students.
Featured artist for the month of October
Here's a look at what's featured in October! This calendar highlights amazing artwork created by our students. Be sure to download and print it!
- To download in English, click here: bit.ly/2025-26ArtCalendarEnglish
- To download in Spanish, click here: bit.ly/2025-26ArtCalendarSpanish
Meet our new Native Education Program Coordinator
Greetings!
My Indian name is Kwystanya, my English name is L. Chrissy Dulik Dalos, and I am honored to serve as the new EPS Title VI Education Coordinator. As a proud enrolled member of the Makah nation from the Wyaatch (waɫa•yuʔu•c) village, I carry forward a legacy of cultural resilience.
Our program’s first year focuses on building strong partnerships, offering academic and cultural support, and creating meaningful opportunities for Native students and families to connect and celebrate culture together.
If you have a Native student, please complete the ED506 Form to help us identify and support Native learners, and share your input in the 2025–26 EPS Native Ed. Survey.
Questions? Contact me at cdulikdalos@everettsd.org or 425-385-4272.
More Ways to Stay Connected in ParentVUE
ParentVUE continues to grow as your one-stop access point for staying connected to your student’s learning. In addition to viewing grades, attendance, and communicating with teachers, parents can now:
Access Canvas Parent directly through ParentVUE.
Once logged in, look for the “Canvas” link on the left navigation panel.
- In the ParentVUE app, select Canvas.
- In the ParentVUE web browser, click Open Canvas.
For detailed instructions, please visit the district website. Canvas provides teachers and students with a dynamic, easily accessible space for assignments, feedback, and classroom resources.
Instead of calling or emailing, you can now click the “Report Absence” icon to let the school know your student will be away.
Reminder: Complete Your Student Information Update
It’s time to complete your student’s Information Update Form in ParentVUE! This important process ensures Everett Public Schools has the most accurate contact, emergency, and health information on file and that you receive important updates throughout the year.
Please log in to ParentVUE to review your student’s record and make any needed changes. Even if nothing has changed, completing the update is required for all families. Instructions are available online.
Thank you for helping us start the school year with up-to-date information!
Challenging Options: Enriching Every Student’s Potential
At Everett Public Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Our Challenging Options programs provide enrichment, acceleration, and support to meet students’ unique abilities and needs—from elementary through high school.
These programs include Learning Enrichment and Highly Capable classrooms in elementary schools, accelerated pathways in middle school, and advanced coursework in high school such as AP, College in the High School, Running Start, and CTE dual-credit classes.
This fall, universal screening for all first- and fifth-grade students will be completed by October 13, with scores shared with families in November. For kindergarten and grades one through four, referral forms for screening or testing are due by November 10.
Our goal is equitable access—challenging every student academically while nurturing their social and emotional growth.
Learn more about the referral process and program details on the Everett Public Schools website or contact your school counselor.
Parent University Highlight: Understanding Reunification
In rare instances, schools may need to release students to their parents in a safe and organized manner. This process, known as reunification, helps ensure that every student is safely accounted for and returned to their family as smoothly as possible.
Being familiar with the reunification process helps everyone stay calm and confident, should it ever be needed. Watch this short Parent University video to learn about the reunification process at Everett Public Schools and how it ensures the safety of students, families, and staff during a crisis.
Free Vaccine Clinic – Friday, October 17
Everett Public Schools is partnering with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association to offer a free vaccine clinic for families on Friday, October 17, at the Community Resource Center (3900 Broadway).
Clinic hours:
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9:30 a.m. to noon
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12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
What to know before you go:
- Sign up online here: Schedule your appointment
- Walk-ins are welcome if space is available — self-registration required on-site using the QR code on the flyer.
- Check the FAQ sheet for information on insurance, vaccine options, and age eligibility.
- Please bring your insurance card, ID, and confirmation code to your appointment.
- Wear a short-sleeve shirt for easy access to your arm.
High School & Beyond events are quickly approaching!
Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about college, careers, STEM, apprenticeships, trade school, and more!
Save the following dates:
- Jackson High School: October 15 (5:30 to 7 p.m. with breakout sessions 6:30 to 7:55 p.m.)
- Everett High School: October 30 (9 a.m. to noon for students, families welcome 11:30 a.m. to noon)
- Sequoia High School: October 30 (at Everett High School)
- Cascade High School held their event last month on September 25
Please check your school's website for more information.
PSAT Testing
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, at no cost to families, all 10th graders will take the PSAT.
All other high school students will start three hours late, with late bus transportation available.
Want to learn more? Click, PSAT Parent Guide for more information or contact your students’ school for more information!
Financial Aid Help Night
Everett Public Schools high schools will host financial aid events in October to support students and families with the FAFSA and WASFA applications for the 2026-27 school year. These applications are the first step in accessing grants, scholarships, and other aid for education or training after high school.
- Drop-in help session, come for part or the whole thing
- Food provided
- Students and families all welcome
- Students bring computers and computers are available
Staff will be available to answer questions and guide families through the process. Nationally, seniors who complete a financial aid application (FAFSA or WASFA) are significantly more likely to continue with post-secondary education or training.
There are three upcoming opportunities for students and families to complete applications on-site and get answers to their questions. Additional opportunities will be available to students and families to help with financial aid completion throughout the school year.
- Cascade High School Cafeteria: Oct. 21 from 6–8 p.m.
- Jackson High School Annex: Oct. 29 from 6–8 p.m.
- Everett High School Cafeteria: Oct. 30 from 6–8 p.m.
Sequoia will host multiple events during the school day for students to attend during their advisory period. For more information, students and families should contact their teacher.
Natural Leaders Program Kickoff
Join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department for our annual Natural Leaders Program Kickoff on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Community Resource Center on 3900 Broadway Everett, WA 98201. Enjoy dinner and learn how the Natural Leaders Program connects families, schools, and communities! Discover how YOU can become a vital voice in your child’s education, build leadership skills, and help shape a more inclusive school environment. Learn more.
Additional Information:
- Childcare: Childcare for school-aged children will be provided. Children under 5 are welcome but will need to stay with their parents in the main room.
- Interpretation Services: To make sure everyone can participate fully, interpretation services will be available.
World Language Assessment: Register by October 24, 2025
One test will be administered in 2025-26
Visit the assessment website to learn more. Students register at their school office. The testing fee is $10 and is due at the time of registration. Testing will take place during the school day at their building.
Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) 2025-2026
Everett Public Schools (EPS) is offering Transition to Kindergarten for children who are not currently attending/enrolled in an early learning program and are age-eligible to enter Kindergarten in the fall of 2026. Students will be screened in November and December 2025 and may qualify based on academic and social-emotional needs.
To be eligible for screening, children must:
- be 5 years old by August 31, 2026
- live within the boundaries of Everett Public Schools (to check on your EPS neighborhood school, visit www.everettsd.org/transportation - select ‘2025-26 Find My School & Route’ – enter your home address)
- not be currently enrolled in an early learning full or part-time program such as licensed childcare, preschool, co-op preschool, faith-based preschool, ECEAP, Head Start, etc.
- demonstrate academic and/or social-emotional needs through a screening process
If you are interested in Transition to Kindergarten and believe your child may qualify, please visit www.everettsd.org/transitiontokindergarten and submit the Transition to Kindergarten Interest Form. The link to the Interest Form will be open on Monday, October 28, 2025. The deadline to submit the Interest Form is Friday, December 12, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Qualifying students might or might not attend TTK at their home school.
For assistance, contact Rola Bachour, Program Coordinator, at 425 385 4290 or
p-earlylearning@everettsd.org or visit www.everettsd.org/transitiontokindergarten to access the link to the Interest Form.
ECEAP preschool: Accepting applications for 2025-26
Space is still available!
Everett Public Schools Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) is a FREE preschool program for three- and four-year-old children from families with limited income. It prepares children for kindergarten and provides family support, and health and nutrition services.
We have seven elementary sites across the district with both school-day and half-day options (Cedar Wood, Hawthorne, Jackson, Lowell, Madison, Silver Firs, and Silver Lake). For more information or to apply, visit the district ECEAP website or call 425-385-4628 or email eceap@everettsd.org.
Remember to register to vote
There are three ways to register to vote:
- Register online at VoteWA.gov. To register online, you must have a Washington State ID or a Driver’s License.
- Mail in a registration form to: Snohomish County Election, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. M/S 505, Everett, WA 98201.
- In-person at Snohomish County Elections on the county courthouse campus in Everett.
The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is 8 days before the election (October 27). The deadline to register in person is on Election Day (November 4) by 8 p.m.
News releases
School-Based Health Services are now open at Cascade and Everett High Schools
The Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC) is proud to announce the addition of two new school-based health centers in Everett Public Schools. The centers are now operating out of Everett and Cascade high schools.
Whittier Elementary celebrated as a Blue Ribbon School despite national program ending
Everett Public Schools’ Whittier Elementary has earned one of the nation’s highest honors in education - recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. While the U.S. Department of Education discontinued the program in August 2025, Whittier had already been nominated, completed the application process, and received final confirmation of its award before the program was cut.
Garfield Elementary playground transformed through Safran’s “Give & Grow” partnership
Garfield Elementary’s playground has a brand-new look thanks to more than 90 volunteers from Safran and its nonprofit, Give & Grow. On September 12, employees, family members, and friends came together to create an inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming space for students.
Our mission
To inspire, educate, and prepare each student to achieve to high standards, contribute to our community, and thrive in a global society.