School Beat: February 5, 2025

There were happy tears and lots of cheers as SPS celebrated its second round of All-Star Award Winners. See how Mary McDaniel, Sam Cristol, Helen Zhou, Josey Haley, and Carlos Vera were honored by district staff and their school communities.

We're excited to celebrate the incredible individuals who make a difference in Seattle Public Schools! Our next honor is the Opportunity Award. We’re shining a special spotlight on the hard work and dedication of staff members who are creating pathways and opening doors for student growth. Nominations close Friday, Feb. 21. Nominate an educator for the Opportunity Award today!

Proposition 2 includes the Building Excellence VI Capital Levy, which funds 90% of the district’s technology and provides more than $300 million for safety and security improvements, building repairs and energy efficiency upgrades.

We’re celebrating the achievements of our students and educators who continue to shine bright.

February is Black History Month, and SPS kicked it off with a powerful flag-raising ceremony at the district’s central office. The event honored the rich history and contributions of Black Americans while uplifting student voices.

Other Key Dates and Observances

February is also Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.

Feb 3-7: Black Lives Matter at School Week

Feb. 3-7: National School Counseling Week

Feb. 10: National African American Parent Involvement Day

Feb. 11: 100th Day of School

Feb. 17-21: No School for Mid-Winter Break (includes President's Day)

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.

Applications for the Seattle Skills Center’s 2025-26 school year courses are now available online on the Skills Center website. The Seattle Skills Center prepares students for college, career, and life through advanced Career and Technical Education courses.

Do you know an amazing principal, educator, counselor, or staff member making a difference in Seattle Public Schools? Now’s your chance to recognize their impact by nominating them for one of the The Alliance for Education awards.

SPS Capital Projects and Planning Department is seeking qualified individuals to apply for an opening on the Building Excellence (BEX) and Buildings, Technology and Academics (BTA) Capital Programs Oversight Committee

SPS will offer the fun and educational Summer Music Program for students this July! SPS Summer Music is a way for students to continue their music learning over summer break.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has released a statement on financial aid privacy. We encourage 12th grade students and families who may complete the WASFA to review this message as it contains important information that may impact their decision.

From time to time, winter weather may change the normal school schedule. Now that winter has arrived, it's time to 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 website for snow route maps and more tips on how to prepare for winter.

National School Counseling Week 2025 is Feb. 3-7! The theme is: School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive. The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. Make your nomination for SPS School Counselor of the Year!

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