Insider News

You may have heard that a few school districts in other counties are starting to bring students back part-time in groups. This is possible in areas where COVID transmission rates are sufficiently low.

We are carefully watching COVID data in King County and working closely with Public Health. We will continue to prioritize the safety of staff and students.

Please sign email messages to families with your school and grade level (as well as the class name for specialists and secondary teachers) so that families can quickly determine to which of their children the message refers.

Staff who are coming into school buildings must fill out the daily attestation form. An easy way to get to this form, is to create an icon on the home screen of your mobile phone. Read through for instructions on how to set this up.

Enroll today in the Educators of Color Leadership Community.

Continuing to develop SEL skills in adults and students remains vital during Distance Learning and as we prepare for Hybrid Instruction. Check out our recent updates to our SEL supports for the 2020-21 school year.

As schools navigate implementation of instructional plans this year, and implement Annual Action Plans (AAPs), our TLL team is ready to support emerging needs. Check out who to contact for support.

DonorsChoose is a great way to fund those extra things you feel are important for your students to make learning fun and engaging. Learn more about DonorsChoose and funding opportunities.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Students can get involved by submitting artwork that covers topics such as being safe online, good online security practices, cyberbullying, and how to be a good digital citizen.

We launched a Thoughtexchange for staff after the first week of school to learn what went well for you and where you need additional support. Your message came across loud and clear: you are working harder than you ever have before!

Students from Highline and Mount Rainier High Schools have joined a national campaign calling on school districts to "encourage a productive dialogue on race and identity among our student bodies."

Elementary teachers can now use RAZ Plus in their literacy teaching. It delivers a blended approach to  reading instruction, practice and assessment with a library of books in multiple formats and languages, targeted skill-building activities and instructional supports. 

Changes to immunization requirements and enrollment went into effect on August 1. Read information on rule changes, impacts to enrollment and what this means for enrollment during Distance Learning.

​Attendance and student behavior guidance has been finalized and is now available in the Whole Child Catalogue on Staff Hub​.

When a 911 call is made from a Highline Public Schools site, the Safety and Security Department must be notified by phone. Read the other examples of when you should be contacting Safety and Security.

The Student Support & Family Engagement department will help with additional attendance interventions for students who are considered “no-shows.” Once you have attempted at least three attendance interventions, you may refer a student to the Connection Center.

Substitute teachers will be available for daily absences. Read the guidance, expectations and requirements from Human Resources regarding access to substitutes while in distance learning. 

Mount Rainier Junior Caliya Bullock shares a student and family view of distance learning in a story on public radio.

Staff and teachers can now use Remind! This two-way texting tool supports family and student engagement.  Please read through all of the following guidelines before using your account.

The Highline Schools Foundation's Excel Grant program provides teachers and staff the resources they need to help our students be successful. For the 2020-21 school year, they are offering mini-grants to help teachers and staff obtain resources they need for full distance learning. Grants of up to $500 will be awarded. 

As we're increasingly on email, please stay vigilant in screening your emails for potential phishing attacks. The following email is what is commonly clicked on; however, it is a phishing attack. The below is not from Highline. 

Teacher-librarian Karen Smith of Des Moines Elementary School needs to continue working from her home, rather than her classroom for her parent's sake. She shared some thoughts with us about Distance Learning this fall and the need for technology. Read her story here.

If you are eligible to receive SEBB benefits, you already have access to SmartHealth. By participating in activities, you can improve your personal wellness AND earn points. Earn 2,000 SmartHealth points by Nov. 30, 2020 and receive $125 wellness incentive applied to next year’s medical deductible or deposited into your Health Savings Account.

The City of Burien is partnering with Highline Public Schools and Comcast to connect up to 1,500 eligible Highline students in Burien with free internet for 12 months.