School Beat: April 2, 2025

The Opportunity Award All-Star recipients are making a positive impact on the school communities they serve. See how these educators are creating pathways and opening doors for student growth.

SPS is celebrating individuals who are making a difference in our schools! For the next All-Star Award, we're looking for our Most Spirited Educators. Is there someone in your school community who has tons of school spirit? A staff member who comes to work so excited that it makes others around them excited too? Tell us about the teacher who makes learning exciting! Submit nominations by Friday, May 2!

We are shouting out SPS students and staff who are pulling in the accolades. We’ve got state champs in winter sports, Merit Scholar semifinalists, and recognitions for parent-teacher organizations and district staff who are making SPS proud with their achievements.

It's time to celebrate the heart of our schools—our libraries! School Library Month is a special time to recognize the essential role school libraries play in transforming learning and inspiring students. A huge shoutout to our SPS librarians who create welcoming spaces where students discover, explore, and grow.

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 7-11: National Assistant Principals Week

April 8: End of Quarter 3

April 14-18: Spring Break (No School)

April 22: Earth Day

April 23: Administrative Professionals Day

2025-26 School Year Calendar

Key dates like the first and last days of school, holiday breaks, and observances are now available. Stay ahead of the game by adding the dates to your calendars.

The SPS Seattle Preschool Program and the Head Start preschool program are both accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Both programs provide high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-old students.

The Naramore Art Show’s live exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum is back! Naramore celebrates works of art by SPS middle and high school students. The exhibit runs from April 2 to June 1.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam measures an individuals’ strengths and helps identify different skills and competencies. Seniors interested in taking the ASVAB must submit an electronic registration and permission form by Tuesday, April 15.

The foundry10 WA Young Parent Success Scholarship provides financial assistance to pregnant and parenting students pursuing educational and career goals.

School Choice forms for the 2025-26 school year are now available for submission. Applications received in February will receive priority. SPS will continue to accept School Choice forms until May 31. These applications are prioritized based on the date the application is received.

Open Enrollment for School Choice results will be available April 22. Access your student’s results or waitlist information online through the Assignment Lookup Tool or The Source.

Seattle/King County Clinic returns for its 10th year on April 24-27 to provide FREE dental, vision, and medical services to anyone who struggles to access and/or afford care. No ID or proof of income, insurance, or immigration status is required, and patients do not need to be residents of Seattle or King County to receive care. Interpreters will be available. A limited number of admission tickets will be handed out each day starting at 5:30 a.m. at Fisher Pavilion on a first come, first served basis.

The 2025 AP Exams will be administered in schools May 5-16 with additional dates for late testers. Find out what day your exam will be offered.

The commencement schedule for the Class of 2025 is posted on the district website. Check our all the high school graduation dates.

• Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 23, at 4:15 p.m. at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.
• Community Engagement Session on Thursday, April 24, 5:30 p.m. at Aki Kurose Middle School Library.
• Community Engagement session on Wednesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. at Denny International Middle School.

Superintendent Search
With the announcement of Dr. Brent Jones’ departure in September, the Board is beginning the superintendent search process. The Board will evaluate proposals from experienced executive search firms over the next few weeks and anticipates selecting a firm to support the search soon after. More updates will be forthcoming as the search process advances. Additional Board meetings focused on the superintendent search will be scheduled. Please check the district calendar for updates.

To learn more about the School Board and its work, public meetings, and upcoming policy initiatives, visit the School Board webpage.