Ben's Weekly Bulletin
Notes from the desk of Superintendent Shuldiner
Dear Seattle Public Schools Community,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I am so happy to write to you all this week.
I can’t believe we are already finishing week three. I was able to visit even more schools and was so impressed with what I saw. Every class I visited was either teaching our new ELA curriculum or had evidence of having taught it. I saw students engaged in learning and teachers working hard to make the curriculum their own.
I also saw a real shift away from screen-time and an overreliance on technology. Tomorrow, we will be announcing an important district-wide shift in recognition of the need to codify the focus of instructional time. Stay tuned; the announcement will be made midday on Monday. I want to thank all of the folks, especially the families, who helped make this policy shift possible. I will talk more about this in next week's newsletter.
I also want to commend everyone for being so willing to be thoughtful around the waivers for the school schedule. Our school Principals and Executive Directors are working closely to address the requirements for our students but still keep a holistic understanding of what a student should be doing during the day.
Additionally, I want to acknowledge that though the start of school has gone really well, with very few hiccups, we are still working out problems around transportation. If you are impacted by the transportation issues, I am very sorry. I know that some routes are taking much longer than anticipated, and some students are getting to school late. If you are impacted, please make sure to reach out to your principal so that they can work with their Executive Director and our Transportation Department.
The more we know the issues, the better we can address them.
I also want to highlight that starting September 15, is National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is so important to acknowledge the significance and value of our Hispanic and Latino community members. This year’s theme is “Unidos, Somos Más" (Together, We Are More). I couldn’t think of a more fitting idea.
And for those celebrating both Rosh Hashana and observing Yom Kippur, happy new year and may you have a meaningful fast.
Thank you all for believing in SPS. With your help and hard work, SPS truly will be the best urban public school district in the country.
Ben
SPS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Seattle Public Schools is proud to celebrate students who have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program, one of the nation's most prestigious academic recognition programs.
The honor places these students among fewer than one percent of U.S. high school seniors who demonstrated exceptional academic achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT®.
This year, SPS students from Ballard High School, Ingraham High School, Lincoln High School, and Roosevelt High School earned semifinalist status:
Ballard High School
Ingraham High School
- C. Emmons
- A. Whang
Lincoln High School
- M. Alloway
- A. Bruce
- G. Brush
- H. Duran
- A. Halasz
- A. He
- I. Pressman
- A. Pun
- Z. Pun
- B. Yang
Roosevelt High School
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their academic excellence, dedication, and hard work. We look forward to cheering them on as they continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships and wish them continued success in their academic journeys.
Young Artist Finds Voice Through SPS Youth Arts Collective
For Rainier Beach High School student Laureyna Nguyen, art is more than a creative outlet. It is a way to tell stories, build community, and inspire change.
As a member of the Seattle Public Schools Youth Arts Collective (YAC), Laureyna is helping elevate student voices in arts education while advocating for more creative opportunities across the district. Her passion for the arts has already made an impact at Rainier Beach, where she founded an art club and helped lead the creation of the school's first large-scale mural project in nearly a decade.
Laureyna believes every student deserves opportunities to explore their creativity and discover their unique voice. Her story is a powerful reminder of the important role arts education plays in helping students connect, express themselves, and thrive.
Read how Laureyna is helping shape the future of arts education in SPS.
Be SMART Webinar – Keeping Youth Safe from Firearm Injury
Join Be SMART, the Snohomish County Health Department, and Providence Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 7-8 p.m., for a free one-hour webinar focused on preventing youth firearm injuries and deaths through responsible gun storage and ownership.
This important community conversation will provide practical safety tips, resources, and guidance for creating safer environments for children and families. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September), the webinar will also feature a special guest speaker and former co-chair of the County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, who will share insights on youth suicide prevention and supporting young people in our communities.
Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about simple steps that can help keep youth safe.
Together, we can support healthier, safer communities for all.
Apply to Join the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC)
Seattle Public Schools is seeking students, parents/guardians, community members, teachers, and staff to serve on the 2026-27 Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC).
ITAC provides input and expertise to help guide technology recommendations and future funding planning across the district. Members are asked to commit to one year of service and attend monthly virtual meetings.
The application period is open through Oct. 2, with selected members notified by Oct. 16.
Questions about ITAC membership can be directed to the Department of Technology Services at: spsdepartmentoftechnologyservices@seattleschools.org.
Interested in helping shape the future of technology in SPS? Complete the application online.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Available for Every SPS Student
Great news for SPS families! Beginning this school year, every Seattle Public Schools student can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, regardless of family income or school attended.
Thanks to a partnership with the City of Seattle, free meals are now available to all students across all SPS schools. Students should continue to scan their student barcode or enter their student ID number when receiving meals to support required program records and funding.
Families are also encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. While meals are free for all students, completing the application helps schools receive important funding and may qualify students for additional educational benefits. Families who do not wish to provide income information may select the "Decline Benefits" option.
Learn more about school meals, student account refunds, and the CNEEB application on the SPS Culinary Services webpage.
Together, we're helping ensure every SPS student has access to healthy meals every school day.