Hawks

Dear Heatherwood families,

As we welcome the month of February, I’d like to share a few important reminders and celebrations happening here at Heatherwood Middle School. February is a meaningful month filled with opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection within our school community.

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation and the world. Throughout the month, our students will engage in classroom discussions and learning activities that highlight influential leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home as we work together to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity.

February is also American Heart Month, a time to focus on overall wellness and healthy habits that support both physical and emotional well-being. Encouraging balanced nutrition, staying active, managing stress, and getting enough rest are all important ways we can help our students build healthy routines that last a lifetime.

In addition, we look forward to recognizing Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our students to show empathy, generosity, and kindness in both big and small ways. A simple act of kindness can make a powerful difference in someone’s day and helps strengthen our school community.

Please note that there will be no school from February 16–20 as we observe a week-long February break. We hope our students and families enjoy this time to rest, recharge, and spend time together.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Enjoy and be safe.

Sincerely,

Heatherwood Middle School Administration

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

LWellington@everettsd.org

CDoll2@everettsd.org

February 6 – LIF Day 1:35pm release

February 13 – LIF Day 1:35pm release

February 16 – 20 Mid-Winter Break – No School

February 27 – LIF Day 1:35pm release

ASB is excited to host our Hawks Have Heart event on Thursday, February 13, during the school day from 8:15–1:35. Students will rotate through fun activities such as dance, a photo booth, karaoke, trivia, and more. Food trucks will be available for purchase on campus.
Students will be asked not to bring backpacks on this day.

More information coming soon!

Don't forget to log into Final Forms and sign your student up for Cp-ed Wrestling. Wrestling starts Monday, February 23.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Courtney Holden at CHolden@everettsd.org

Course Registration for the 2026-27 School Year

Preparation for spring registration for the 2026-2027 school year is underway! Please see below for your student’s grade level and registration information.

8th Grade High School Transition

• Check your ParentSquare. Eighth grade families should have received a message with information about High School Transition.
• Check your home mailboxes. We will mail a Save the Date to all 8th grade families for you to post on your fridge by the end of next week.
• Save the Date! Jackson High School Transition is on Thursday, March 19th, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM in the Heatherwood Middle School library. Please keep this date flexible. Appointment times will be released in early March.
• Good to know: Students will receive high school course catalogs in their English classes in mid February.
• Action Needed: Please complete the 2030 High School Transition Survey, whether or not your child is attending Jackson High School. Parent/guardians will be able to specify a time of day they would prefer for their appointment times.
  
  

6th & 7th Grade Course Registration Dates

• Check our website. Information for current 6th and 7th graders will be released on the Heatherwood Counseling website by Friday, March 6th.
• Save the Date: Ms. Freeman and Ms. Arpin will visit Science classes the week of March 23rd to instruct students on inputting their course requests into Student Vue
  
  

5th Grade Middle School Transition

• Do you have a future hawking in your nest? More information to come about 5th grade transitions to Heatherwood Middle School.
• Save the Date: Heatherwood’s 5th Grade Family Night is on Thursday, March 5.

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. Levy dollars represent about 15% of the district’s annual budget.

Thank you again for your time and consideration of these important measures. As you consider your ballot ahead of February 10th, please access our additional information at: www.everettsd.org/bond-levy-2026