FOCUS Newsletter - Spring 2024
FOCUS: Every ISD Student. Every Day. Spring 2024
- Superintendent Message
- Vision, Mission, District Demographics
- Innovative Efforts
- Road to the Future / Driving Success
- Student Voice
- Strategic Plan
- Land Acknowledgement, School Board, Leadership, More
Superintendent Message
In this edition of FOCUS, we are excited to share updates and insights that highlight progress made toward our students unlocking their passion and potential.
Issaquah has a strong history of excellence and innovation in education, but we can always improve on how we serve all our students. Preparing each student for the future requires a fresh look at our schools and learning environments and access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching practices.
We also provide a detailed look at our bond planning process, outlining the investments aimed at enhancing our school facilities to increase safety and security, modernize our buildings, address overcrowding and prepare our students for a wide range of options after graduation. Additionally, we celebrate the power of student voices, which are instrumental in guiding our decisions and inspiring change, ensuring that our educational environment remains responsive and inclusive.
Lastly, we are proud to report on the progress made in the first year of our Strategic Plan, which continues to be the blueprint for our district's future. This plan reflects our collective vision and the strategic actions we are taking to ensure that we serve every student, every day.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering an educational community that values innovation, equity, collaboration and excellence.
Thank you,
Heather Tow-Yick
Superintendent
Vision, Mission, District Demographics
Vision
All students thrive as they engage in meaningful learning that unlocks their passion and potential to positively impact the world.
Mission
Our students will be prepared for and eager to accept the academic, occupational, personal and practical challenges of life in a dynamic global environment.
STEM & CTE
99STEM and CTE Courses |
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and Career and Technical Education (CTE) are key focuses for our middle and high school students, both inside the classroom and through their extracurricular activities. |
Activities, Athletics & Clubs
1000+events |
Athletic events, club events, field trips, and assemblies for students. |
Community
11024volunteers |
We are fortunate to have so many wonderful parents, alumni, and community members volunteer to help our students and staff. |
Early Learning
14Specialized Pre-K and Elementary Programs |
A range of specialized programs give our youngest learners a strong start. Program examples include our Dual Language, Highly Capable (Gifted), Social Emotional support, Transitional Kindergarten, and preschool programs. |
Innovative Efforts
A Strong History, A Bright Future of Innovation
Exciting times are ahead for the Issaquah School District. Our district was recently accepted as a member of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, a convening of the most forward-thinking districts and schools across the country. Our district is built on a foundation of innovation, and that same spirit is found in our ongoing exploration and development of secondary programming.
“We are already doing incredible things in our district, but we also need to continue to look at how the world is evolving and how we can prepare our students in school so that they have a future of purpose and passion and leave school with what they need, prepared for the future,” shares Principal of Secondary Innovation, Julia Bamba.
Over the past few months, we engaged with students, staff, families, community members and alumni to explore what students need to thrive in their school community and graduate prepared to access meaningful learning, employment or service opportunities. Through empathy interviews, focus groups, and design sprints, we've gained insights and generated innovative ideas to elevate secondary education. These ideas span from broadening Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings to enhancing building design that fosters flexible, collaborative learning environments.
We also explored avenues to increase real-world learning opportunities such as internships and building strong, sustainable relationships with students, families, staff, and community professionals.
Additionally, we convened a Bond Advisory Committee, made up of more than 60 volunteers who met from January through April. Committee members considered information from programs around the district and evaluated facility needs and cost data to form a proposal to the superintendent to craft a bond recommendation to the School Board for consideration.
“Innovation is about finding the things that work and creating more opportunities for our youth to ensure that we are scaling impact and opportunities for all of our students,” explains Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick.
Industry research shows students need diverse skills to thrive in the future of work including critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the ability to collaborate and work as a team, digital literacy skills, emotional intelligence, and more.
We are shaping a vision where learning is real, relevant, and seamlessly connected to students’ futures. By designing programs and learning spaces that reflect the needs of the future workforce, our students will be prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex, diverse and interconnected world.
Road to the Future / Driving Success
Building Tomorrow Together:
Bond Advisory Committee Shapes 2024 Vision with Community at the Helm
A group of more than 60 volunteers has devoted over 960 hours collectively during the past three months, learning about the district’s Strategic Plan, initiatives and facility needs. They have listened to students talk about their experiences, asked great questions, discussed options and brainstormed ideas. Potential projects that are being considered would increase safety and security at all locations, modernize school buildings, and expand options for all students so they are prepared to succeed and have a wide range of options when they graduate.
The volunteers served on the district’s Bond Advisory Committee, which was tasked with evaluating facility needs and cost data through active engagement to provide an informed proposal to the superintendent, who then crafted a recommendation to the School Board for consideration.
The Issaquah School District has a history of innovation that goes back to its first graduating class in 1911. More recently, the district started the SciTech Magnet Program, which offers an elementary focus on science, technology, math and engineering, and is now a longstanding offering at the elementary level. In 2016, the district opened Gibson Ek, featuring project-based learning.
When considering the projects that would make critical updates, modernize schools and facilities or bring them into compliance with the Clean Buildings Act, committee members and staff categorized them into work that is recommended to be completed immediately, work that is recommended to be completed soon, and work that can wait until a future bond or levy.
The committee concluded its work at the end of April, making its recommendation for a potential bond package. Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick considered the committee’s input, then proposed a bond resolution to the School Board to determine whether to place a bond measure on the November ballot.
Among the conversations and the examination of data, several themes have remained consistent. Possible bond projects are related to:
Safety & Security
Ensuring students are safe and secure in our schools helps them feel safe & ready to learn.
Innovative Spaces
Career and Technical Education, next new high school to alleviate overcrowding, early learning space in the south end of the district.
Building Modernization
Facility improvements, critical updates and compliance with the Clean Buildings Act. Focus on accessibility, equity and inclusion.
Student representatives of the Bond Advisory Committee share their experiences.
Bond Timeline
2006 Bond
The 2006 Bond gave Issaquah School District four new schools, replacing both Briarwood Elementary School and Issaquah High School, and building Creekside Elementary School and Pacific Cascade Middle School. Additionally, it added classrooms at Liberty High School and science lab spaces at Maywood Middle School.
2012 Bond
Funded various projects, including major rebuilds of Clark Elementary, Sunny Hills Elementary School, and Issaquah Middle School. Also supported modernization and addition projects at Apollo and Issaquah Valley Elementary, and the completion of phase 2 and 3 renovations at Liberty High School.
2016 Bond
Funded the construction of two new schools, Cedar Trails Elementary School and Cougar Mountain Middle School, which opened in 2021 and 2022 respectively. It also funded a major rebuild of Pine Lake Middle School and remodels and expansions at Cougar Ridge, Discovery and Endeavour Elementary Schools, as well as updates to Maple Hills Elementary School, Beaver Lake Middle School and Sunset Elementary School.
Upcoming Bond
A 2024 bond package is being refined by the superintendent and the School Board, for voters to consider in November. The bond projects under evaluation include districtwide upgrades for: safety and security, required improvements to meet the mandates of the Washington State Clean Buildings Act, and critical updates and modernizations.
Also under review are proposals for the next new high school to relieve overcrowding, spaces for innovation and Career and Technical Education, and capital projects related to student support and well-being, athletics and activities, early learning and transportation.
Student Voice
Senior Shares Why Sense of Belonging Matters
When Te’O Armstrong started attending Liberty High School as a freshman, classes were all online. He had just transferred to our district in eighth grade, and hadn’t had a chance to get acquainted with people, a situation that the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated. “I didn’t have a lot of friends or know anyone,” Armstrong recalled. He says he felt isolated, and not able to connect with or reach out to other students.
Four years later, it’s another story. Armstrong attributes one part of that change to Liberty’s Black Student Union (BSU), a club that he and other students helped create.
As a senior preparing to graduate, he says his feelings about his classmates and the school have changed. “There’s a big difference. Now I can walk up to anyone and start a conversation.”
Sharon Roy, one of our Equity and Family Partnership Specialists, met Armstrong several years ago, and says she has seen the change that he describes.
“When Te’O first started attending Liberty, he didn’t see where he fit in. He was quiet and was not able to bring his whole self to school. As he has progressed through school, he has been able to embrace his authentic self, creating relationships with others, bolstering his confidence and self-esteem,” Roy said.
Black Student Union: Creating Space for Students to Connect
Liberty High School’s Black Student Union is nearing the end of its first year as an official club, and its student leaders say they’re eager to see how the organization continues to thrive in the future.
Black Student Union (BSU) officers and members have accomplished much in a matter of months, said club President Minot Elias.
“We've gained acknowledgment from students, staff, and the district. This highlights the importance of our presence and validates our efforts to create a space for black students and allies.”
Creating the BSU was vitally important, he said.
“Seeing the existing clubs, I felt it was crucial to create a space for black students and allies to connect, share experiences, and advocate for our collective interests,” Elias said. “This initiative aimed to address the absence of representation and support for Black students at Liberty High School.”
The founding club officers include Te’O Armstrong, vice president; Dwight (DJ) Jones, treasurer; and Greggory (Greg) Shine, secretary.
They’ve gotten a lot of great responses to the club’s work so far. “We’ve also seen people smile who we’ve never seen smile – and laugh who we’ve never heard laugh before,” Armstrong said.
Parent Lovenia Hardin, who has been volunteering with the BSU, said she is grateful for the addition of the club at Liberty.
“These students feel welcome. It’s wonderful,” Hardin said, noting one person shared with her that this club is what they’ve been looking for, for a long time. Like the club officers, she stressed that it is open to all students. “My greatest hope is that students know BSU is for them, too. It’s about building community.”
Strategic Plan
Year 1 Progress-To-Date in Each Priority Area
Why this Strategic Plan?
A strategic plan serves as a vital roadmap to the School Board’s vision and mission, charting the course for future success and sustainable growth. In the context of education, this map is not merely a set of guidelines; it is a critical framework that aligns the educational objectives with actionable strategies, ensuring that every student benefits from a high-quality learning environment tailored to meet evolving needs.
Creating our three-year Strategic Plan involved a comprehensive analysis and community involvement, making it a dynamic document that reflects the shared goals of all constituents — students, staff, and the community. It enables us to set clear priorities, allocate resources efficiently, and measure progress against established goals. This forward-looking approach ensures that we are responsive to technological advancements, societal shifts, and the changing workforce.
Moreover, a well-crafted strategic plan fosters a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation. It encourages collaboration and open communication, building a strong foundation for student achievement and well-being.
Beyond the Classroom: Issaquah Schools Foundation's Role in Academic Excellence
Since 1987, the Issaquah Schools Foundation has been an independent nonprofit organization that supports the students and educators of the Issaquah School District. In partnership with the district, the Foundation creates, manages, and funds projects that support: academics, basic needs, community outreach and well-being. Supporters just like you donate their money, time, and resources to the Foundation, helping it to ensure that every student in every school receives every opportunity for success.
To learn more, visit isfdn.org.
Land Acknowledgement, School Board, Leadership, More
Our School Board
From left: School Board President Dr. Harlan Gallinger, Vice President Sydne Mullings, Director Matt Coyne, Director Marnie Maraldo and Director A.J. Taylor.
In November, Coyne and Taylor were elected by voters to the Issaquah School District School Board. The board meets two Thursdays per month during most of the school year, and invites you to join a meeting.
The schedule and agendas are available online. Get to know our School Board members on the “Meet the Board” page of our website.
Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of our School Board.
Enroll Now
Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is open for any new students in our district. Students turning 5 years old by August 31 are eligible to begin kindergarten with us this fall.
Please visit the new student enrollment webpage at www.isd411.org/enrollment to begin the registration process.
Work With Us
With 27 schools and four support sites, there are many ways you can become a part of the Issaquah School District. Whether you prefer full-time, part-time, flexible, or on-call work, we have a role for you! Our district has been recognized by Forbes as a "Best in Washington State Employer" for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Questions?
Contact Human Resources:
(425) 837 - 7044 | Jobs@issaquah.wednet.edu
Why am I receiving this newsletter? The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight and communicate what is happening within the Issaquah School District with the entire community. This is a way to reach all residents in our district, including households that do not have school-age children. This newsletter helps showcase the programs, activities and operations that educate and support our students. We use bulk mailing lists to ensure the least expensive way to distribute the newsletter.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The Issaquah School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are on the Indigenous Land of Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and Duwamish. We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived and continue to live here since time immemorial.