District News
September, 2024
A message from the superintendent
Dear Everett Public Schools community,
The excitement continues around the passage of the 2026 School Construction Bond and Education Levy! On February 10, 2026, voters in the district overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for the bond and levy at 63.8% and 64.4%, respectively. Thank you to our Everett Public Schools community for your commitment to our students and staff.
As we enter March, I encourage all students to participate in the many academic, artistic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities available throughout our schools. Involvement in school activities helps students build confidence, develop leadership skills, form meaningful connections, and strengthen their sense of belonging within our community.
Thank you to our students, families, and our dedicated staff and educators for your continued commitment and hard work. Let us carry this energy forward to make the remainder of the school year productive, engaging, and successful for all.
Be safe and be well,
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman
Superintendent
School Stakeholder Survey
What do you love about your school? What could make it even better?
Our School Stakeholder Annual Survey helps guide decisions that impact students, families, and schools. Look for the survey link on your student's school homepage on March 16.
The survey closes at 10 p.m. on April 3. If you have more than one student, please complete a survey for each school they attend. The survey is anonymous and takes only a few minutes.
Kindergarten enrollment is open!
Will your child be 5 years old by midnight on August 31, 2026? Now is the time to enroll for kindergarten!
HOW TO ENROLL
- Online: Complete and submit the form with the required documents.
- Paper Packet: Pick up at your child's home school or print online, complete, and return to the school.
Port Gardner K-12 Choice Program
🔎 Are you looking for an educational option other than a traditional school or independent homeschooling? Check out Port Gardner K-12! It offers a unique learning experience where:
âś… Some classes are taught by parents/guardians in the home, and some classes are taught by certificated teachers onsite.
âś… We work as partners by providing training and curriculum for home educators.
âś… Students and families are part of a thriving school community.
âś… Small onsite class sizes allow us to dive deep into academics to ensure student success in core subjects and electives.
As a Choice Program in Everett Public Schools, Port Gardner K-12 provides flexibility and support to fit your family’s needs.
Your child can be bilingual! | ¡Tu hijo puede ser bilingüe!
Our Dual Language Spanish Immersion Programs are at Emerson and Silver Lake elementary schools.
- Applications are available in English and Spanish on the Dual Language webpage
- The deadline for submitting complete applications will be Monday, April 15, 2026
Dual Language is an educational model that integrates native English speakers and native Spanish speakers for the instructional day. Academic subjects are taught to all students in English and Spanish. The program creates a biliterate environment for all students.
School day SAT for students in grade 11
In practice of our mission to, “Inspire, educate, and prepare each student to achieve high standards, contribute to our community, and thrive in a global society,” Everett Public Schools provides the SAT at no cost during the school day, helping remove barriers to the college admissions process.
On March 11, students in grade 11 will be taking the SAT. Grades 9, 10, and 12 will have a 3-hour late start with bus transportation provided. Students, do not forget you will need your fully charged device along with your charging cable and your school ID.
We encourage grade 11 students to practice using Khan Academy, a free and official Digital SAT preparation resource. To get started, visit the SAT Suite on the College Board website to build a study plan and find helpful test day tips.
For more information about your students’ SAT school day, please reach out to your school’s main office. For general information, visit the Assessment & Research SAT webpage.
Calendar Reminders
Daylight saving time begins March 8
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night, as we spring ahead. This change results in more daylight in the evening. Daylight Saving Time is also known as Spring Ahead or Summertime.
School Social Work Week: March 2-6
School Social Workers make a difference every day by supporting students, families, and staff. They provide guidance, resources, and a caring presence to help students overcome challenges and succeed. This week, let’s take a moment to thank our dedicated social workers for their compassion.
Education Support Professionals Week: March 9-13
During this week, we recognize the vital work education support staff does for schools and students every day. From the classroom to the cafeteria, the front office to the bus stop, our education support professionals keep our schools running smoothly every day. Thank you to our incredible staff in child nutrition, custodial, grounds, health, maintenance, office, paraprofessionals, security, substitutes, technology, and transportation for your dedication to students and schools! We appreciate you!
Healthcare Academy Spotlight
Annual Student Art Shows
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).
- Elementary art show will be displayed from February 27 to March 26, 2026. The open house is on March 5, 2026, from 6 – 7 p.m. for families to view the art show in the evening.
- High school art will be displayed for public viewing from April 1 to April 30. All participating students, family members, and friends are invited to the High School Art Show Reception on April 30, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at this reception.
- 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.
Natural Leaders Program
Join the Natural Leaders Program on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon in person at the Community Resource Center or virtually via Zoom for an informational session, in collaboration with the Assessment & Research Department. During this session, attendees will learn about the district’s K–12 assessments as well as the State of Washington’s annual spring state exams. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the assessments your students will take at each grade level and how they support their learning journey.
Due to limited in-person space, please register online. Interpretation services will be provided.
Attend The Big Give Showdown!
The Everett Public Schools Foundation invites you to The Big Give Showdown, a night of food, fun, friendly competition, and philanthropy celebrating the incredible work happening across our schools.
Join us for a community pre-game experience from 6 to 7 p.m. featuring classroom grant showcases, interactive activities, food trucks, and raffles.
Then cheer on your school’s team in a lively game-show challenge for the coveted Everett Cup starting at 7 p.m. See you there!
MathFest for families with kids aged 3-8!
Get ready for a Math-tastic adventure!
Join us on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to noon at Cascade High School cafeteria for MathFest, a two-hour, FREE event packed with math games and activities for kids aged 3-8 and their families. The event engages kids and adults in math games, prizes, and activities to foster enthusiasm and confidence in math!
MathFest is a free event. Please register here.
This event is powered by Zeno in partnership with Everett Public Schools and funded, in part, by the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account.
Free, online leadership course for parents – Starts March 14
Washington Family Engagement is inviting parents, caregivers, and those who work with families to join the Spring 2026 Institute for Parent Leadership (IPL), a free, online leadership course offered in English and Spanish. K-12 educators earn 10, free, OSPI approved Clock Hours upon completing this course.
With more than 830 parent leaders who have graduated statewide, IPL strengthens participants’ ability to partner with schools, navigate public systems, and engage confidently in civic processes.
The Spring cohort begins Saturday, March 14, and ends Saturday, May 16.
Registration is now open, and space is limited. Please share this opportunity with families, staff, or networks who may be interested.
Learn more and sign up for an information session:
https://wafamilyengagement.org/parent-leadership/ipl/
Register for Everett Career Link - deadline is March 31
Students in grades 8-11 interested in career exploration, mentorship, and internships may apply! Deadline to apply is March 31.
Everett Career Link is a partnership between Everett Public Schools, Snohomish STEM, the City of Everett, and regional employers designed to offer students the opportunity to "learn before they earn" by showing what it is like to work in a specific job environment, and providing high school credit to students.
EPS students honored at Scholastic Art Awards regional ceremony
Everett Public Schools (EPS) proudly recognizes students who were honored at the 2026 Snohomish County Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony, held last month at the Everett Civic Auditorium. This esteemed program celebrates exceptional artistic talent among middle and high school students across the country.
Two Everett Public Schools educators honored by music educator’s association
Two Everett Public Schools educators were recognized this weekend by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) for their outstanding contributions to music education.
Everett Public Schools sees growth in AP participation and college-qualifying scores
Everett Public Schools (EPS) students increased both participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 2024-25 school year, with more students taking exams and earning college-qualifying scores.
Penny Creek Elementary second graders name Mill Creek dump truck/snowplow
Students in Kirsten Judd’s second grade class at Penny Creek Elementary are celebrating a big win after their classroom submission was selected as the winning name in a City of Mill Creek contest.
