Hawks

Dear Heatherwood Families,

As we wrap up a busy and productive month, we want to wish each of you a safe, joyful, and restful holiday break. This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones, and recharge before we begin the new year together.

Winter Resources for Families
We know that winter can bring unique challenges, and we want to ensure our families feel supported. Our website includes a list of winter resources to assist with various needs and services. Please take a moment to explore those supports if they would be helpful to you or someone you know.

Safety Reminders
With darker mornings and slippery conditions, student safety on the way to and from school is especially important. Please encourage your children to:

• Stay visible by walking on sidewalks
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Use crosswalks every time they cross

Thank you for helping keep our students safe during the winter months.

Enjoying the Break
We hope your family has time to enjoy the fresh outdoor air together—or simply snuggle up at home with a good book. December break is a perfect opportunity to be creative, catch up on reading, spend time together, and explore the outdoors. A digital detox from computers, gaming, and social media can also be a refreshing reset for students and adults alike.

We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, January 5.

Warmly,

Dr. Laura Wellington, Principal and Mr. Chris Doll, Assistant Principal

LWellington@everettsd.org

CDoll2@everettsd.org

December 3 – World Language Assessment

December 5 – LIF Day 1:35pm release

December 9 – Band Winter Concert @ Everett Civic Auditorium 7:00pm

December 10 – Orchestra Winter Concert @ Everett Civic Auditorium 5:40pm

December 12 – LIF Day 1:35pm release

December 12 – Choir Winter Concert @ Everett Civic Auditorium 7:00pm

December 19 – Early Release at 12:20pm

December 22 – January 2 – Winter Break – No School

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.

Already completed an update, but need to make an additional change(s)? You can log into ParentVUE and make the necessary changes any time in Information Update.

If you have any problems, questions or concerns, please call the school office.

Thank you for helping us keep your student’s information up-to-date information!

Attendance In ParentVUE: click on the blue “Report Absence”

Attendance email: HEAAttendance@everettsd.org

Attendance line: 425-385-6305

If you leave a voicemail, please provide a written note or email within 30 days of your student’s first day back to school.

To limit classroom disruptions, please remember we will no longer be passing on messages from home with the exception of emergencies.

All items dropped off for students will be placed on a shelf in the office for students to pick up during passing periods or during their lunch.

Yearbooks are on sale December 8 to December 19 for $30. They can be purchased in person at the office with cash or checks made payable to Heatherwood Middle School. Online purchases can be made using this link.

Heatherwood School Counseling Team

Ms. Jana Freeman, 6th grade School Counselor: jfreeman@everettsd.org; 425-385-6310

Ms. Myra Flor Arpin, 7th grade School Counselor: marpin@everettsd.org; 425-385-6314

Ms. Jocelyn Smith, 8th grade School Counselor: jsmith1@everettsd.org, 425-385-6313

Families often ask why so many schools rely on portable classrooms. Today, Everett Public Schools uses 103 portables across our elementary schools, which is equivalent to the size of two and a half elementary schools. These portable classrooms were needed to help our district keep up with growth, but were never meant to be a permanent solution for our students. On February 10, 2026, voters will consider two measures that address this ongoing space challenge.

Proposition 1, the School Construction Bond, would fund a new elementary school and add permanent classrooms at existing schools, helping reduce the reliance on portable classrooms. The proposal also includes rebuilding Lowell Elementary, improving learning spaces at Cascade and Everett High schools, and updating roofs, heating and cooling systems, playgrounds, and safety features districtwide.

Proposition 2, the Education Levy, is a renewal measure. It is not a new tax. The levy continues funding for staffing, academic programs, student services, and day-to-day school operations that are not fully covered by the state.

Both these measures will be on the ballot on February 10. You can learn more at: www.everettsd.org/bond-levy-2026