District News

Silver Lake students performing the play Nemo this Spring.

Dear Everett Public Schools Community,

As we welcome the month of May, I feel deep gratitude and pride for all that our students, staff, and families continue to accomplish together. Although the end of the school year is approaching, the important work of teaching and learning remains strong and focused. May offers meaningful opportunities to recognize progress, celebrate achievements, and honor the people who make our schools vibrant and successful.

Spring marks the arrival of statewide testing, which I call achievement season. Our students will participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessment and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science. These assessments provide valuable insight into student learning and help guide where additional support may be needed. We encourage every student to approach testing with confidence, show what they know, and take pride in their efforts.

Graduation will be here soon, bringing a time of celebration and reflection. We are proud to honor the Class of 2026 and all they have achieved throughout their educational journey. This milestone represents years of hard work, growth, and perseverance, and we look forward to celebrating alongside families and our community.

May is also a special time to recognize the dedicated professionals who support our students each day.

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8): We honor educators who inspire curiosity, encourage growth, and support students with commitment and care. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
• School Nurse Day (May 6): We recognize the essential role our nurses play in supporting student health and well-being with compassion and expertise.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to finish the school year with purpose and success.

Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent

This week, we celebrate the incredible teachers who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Their dedication, care, and commitment help create classrooms where students feel supported, inspired, and ready to learn. We invite our families to take a moment this week to thank a teacher. Your appreciation means so much. Thank you for helping us celebrate the educators who make our schools such special places!

Coming next school year, Everett Public Schools will introduce SchooLinks, a new platform designed to support students and families with college and career planning. SchooLinks will provide a simple, all-in-one place to explore interests, build a High School and Beyond Plan, and stay on track for future goals. Students, families, and staff will be able to work together more easily with shared tools and progress updates. Learn more about SchooLinks and the High School and Beyond Plan.

Everett Public Schools Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) is a FREE preschool program for three- and four-year-old children from families with limited income. ECEAP prepares children for kindergarten and provides family support and health and nutrition services. It is funded by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

The seven ECEAP sites within our school district are Cedar Wood, Hawthorne, Jackson, Lowell, Madison, Silver Firs, and Silver Lake elementary schools. Students across the district are welcome to attend. Space is limited – apply early! For an application or more information, please visit the district ECEAP website or call 425-385-4628.

Everett Public Schools looks forward to another successful year of summer learning. This year’s theme is “Your Story, Your World: Where Innovation Begins.” Please check out the Summer Opportunities website for the following activities:

• Engage in each week’s new science, math, reading, and writing activities
• Read good books
• Participate in community library programs
• Access iReady for reading and math digital lessons
• Track your participation so that next fall you can tell your teacher about your summer learning

Learn about the many opportunities for summer learning at Everett Public Schools, including the High School and Middle School Summer Academies.

The Class of 2026 is graduating next month! Mark the dates on your calendar as we celebrate our graduates.

🎓 Project Search end-of-year celebration: 5:30 p.m. June 2, Providence Colby Campus Rainer/Cascade Rooms

🎓 Transition graduation STRIVE, GOAL, and Project Search: 5 p.m. June 10, Community Resource Center/Port Gardner Rooms

🎓 Sequoia High School: 6 p.m. June 11, Everett Civic Auditorium

🎓 H.M Jackson High School: 11 a.m. June 13, Angel of the Winds Arena

🎓 Everett High School: 3 p.m. June 13, Angel of the Winds Arena
🎓 Cascade High School: 7 p.m. June 13, Angel of the Winds Arena

Sun Bucks is Washington’s Summer EBT program that provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during summer break. Even if your school offers free meals to all students, some families must still apply and qualify based on income or other eligibility criteria. Families receiving state nutrition benefits are automatically enrolled. The deadline to apply is May 31. Click here to apply and learn more.

Harvest of the Month programs are designed to connect students with fresh, seasonal foods while building excitement around exploring new flavors. Each month highlights a different unique fruit and vegetable, helping children understand where food comes from and why it tastes best when it’s in season. Throughout the menu and cafeteria, students are encouraged to explore new flavors in a fun, low-pressure way. Harvest of the Month activities also support nutrition education by teaching kids how different foods contribute to their health, helping them build lifelong habits of curiosity, balance, and enjoyment when it comes to eating.

Look for fresh Strawberries (and Asparagus) all month long:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Strawberry Breakfast Parfaits
• Strawberry Breakfast Smoothies
• Roasted Asparagus

Check out our website for more information about how school meals support student wellness, and follow Everett Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services on Facebook and Instagram.

Pictured: Strawberry “Shortcake” with Whole Grain Biscuit, 5/15 Elementaries & 5/19 Secondaries

Here's a look at what's featured this month! This calendar highlights amazing artwork created by our students.

• To download in English, click here: bit.ly/2025-26ArtCalendarEnglish
• To download in Spanish, click here: bit.ly/2025-26ArtCalendarSpanish

In partnership with the Everett Public Schools Foundation, Everett Public Schools is celebrating 28 years of student art shows (all held at the CRC, 3900 Broadway).

Middle school art will be displayed for public viewing from May 6 to May 28. All participating student artists, family members, and friends are invited to attend the Middle School Art Show reception on May 28, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at this reception.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department

In support of our LGBTQIA+ community, join us at our second annual Pride Night celebration in partnership with the Everett AquaSox! Saturday, May 23, 2026 I Funko Field I 7:05 pm

Purchase your tickets here.

**$2 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Everett Public Schools Foundation.**

Sign up today! It takes less than an hour to donate blood and make a difference!

May 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Community Resource Center (3900 Broadway Ave., Everett).

Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Photo ID required. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation. All first time donors, ages 16 & 17 need a Bloodworks NW signed permission form by parent or guardian.

Everett Public Schools has been honored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) Child Nutrition Services as a recipient of the Rooted in Excellence Marketing and Promotion Award. This statewide recognition celebrates the district’s outstanding efforts to elevate school meal programs through creative outreach, student engagement, and strong community connection.

Read full press release here.

Everett Public Schools proudly celebrates Tami Coffman, a dedicated arts educator and leader, who was recognized as a 2025 Mayor’s Arts Award recipient at the 32nd annual Wendt & Mayor’s Arts Awards on April 23 at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

Read full press release here.

To inspire, educate, and prepare each student to achieve to high standards, contribute to our community, and thrive in a global society.