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Issaquah Highlands School Spotlight: February 2021

School Spotlight

Issaquah School District Vaccination Center Update

The Washington State Department of Health recently approved Issaquah School District (ISD) as a local COVID-19 vaccination center.

“Once Issaquah School District receives their first batch of vaccines, we’ll be able to mobilize and start administering vaccines within 24-48 hours, with the possibility of vaccinating up to 500-600 people per day,” Dr. Josh Almy, ISD deputy superintendent, said.

According to the Department of Health, vaccines are safe and effective and will help communities build herd immunity.  As a vaccination site, ISD will follow Washington’s COVID-19 Vaccine Phases plan, which establishes the order in which people receive the vaccine based on age, health status, and work in critical industries. While following these phases, ISD will begin to vaccinate school employees. Depending on available vaccine quantities received from the state, ISD hopes to further open the site to eligible community members under the phased framework and current Department of Health K-12 guidelines.

Vaccination sites will utilize Swedish and other city health care workers to administer shots, in separated locations within district schools. To better understand phasing, learn how to find your phase, and sign up to receive alerts when it’s your turn to be vaccinated. For questions related to ISD’s vaccination plan, call 425-837-7000.

Regional and state COVID-19 resources:

Sign Up for February Power Packs

The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Power Packs program is up and running, providing a week’s worth of breakfast, lunch, and snack items for any child living in the Issaquah School District. A Power Pack is a small box of non-perishable food meant to supplement the meal distribution program for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Power Packs would be in addition to, not in place of, meal distribution. Power Packs may include Goldfish cracker pouches, ramen, oatmeal, pasta, and/or other non-perishables. To sign up, contact individual school counselors, email Erin at the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, or call 425-392-4123 x16.

ISD Kindergarten Registration Begins February 1

Register Issaquah School District (ISD) students for the 2021-22 kindergarten school year starting February 1 through March 5. Visit the ISD New Student Enrollment website to begin. Once the online process is complete, additional forms are required from neighborhood schools. Check individual school websites or contact school front offices to learn more. Click here for additional ISD kindergarten information.

ParentWiser Presents: “The Upstanders,” A Film Discussion with Swedish Mental Health

“The Upstanders” is an IndieFlix documentary film about resilience and the power of connection to end bullying. Watch the film from home during the 48-hour viewing window from February 8-10, then join Tori McBride, behavioral health supervisor at Swedish Medical Center, and Issaquah School District mental health counselors to ask questions and learn about available tools and resources. The Swedish Mental Health live zoom webinar starts February 10 at 7 p.m.  Register online through the ParentWiser website or directly on Eventbrite.

ISD School Board Meeting: Boundary Review Final Plan

The Issaquah School Board will hold a monthly Issaquah School District board business meeting on February 11 at 6 p.m., at which time the Boundary Review Committee will present their final recommendations for redistricting. The agenda and materials may be modified up to 24 hours prior to the meeting; after that time, agenda modifications will be addressed during the meeting.

Join the Gibson Ek Graduating Class of 2025

Issaquah School District eighth-grade students are invited to submit applications for the Gibson Ek High School class of 2025. Families can learn more about Gibson Ek by watching previously-recorded information sessions online. Application submissions close March 5, with a lottery held March 10. Join Gibson Ek as they reimagine education for the future. For more information, visit the Gibson Ek website.

Families Supporting Families, Virtually

Local Issaquah School District families have created virtual groups to keep in touch with each other. These groups are a great way for diverse communities to communicate in multiple languages and stay connected and informed. For questions, email Alicia SpinnerClick here for more detailed, school-specific information and to find local groups.

Tracie Jones is an Issaquah Highlands resident.