Connecting to Mental Health Support
After hearing from the community about the need for greater access to mental health services, Issaquah School District (ISD) launched a new partnership with Care Solace. This central hub connects students, staff and their families to mental health and substance use care. Care Solace can quickly help find therapists, programs, make appointments, and navigate insurance (even for those without insurance) matched to the patient’s needs. This is a free and confidential service provided to all ISD students, staff and family members. Care Solace offers multilingual support at any time, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. You can access services on the Care Solace webpage or by calling 888-515-0595 at any time.
2024-2025 Kindergarten Enrollment
Do you have a child turning 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024? Then it’s time to start thinking about their enrollment in kindergarten! Parents are invited to attend information nights at their neighborhood elementary school to learn more about the enrollment process and what to expect as the children get ready to start school. Clark Elementary’s information night is Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m. Grand Ridge Elementary will host their information night on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, from 6–7 p.m. Enrollment begins online starting Feb. 1, 2024.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) provides two scholarships for ISD high school juniors or seniors through its Impact Scholarship program. Interested students can share how the foundation has had a positive impact on their school career with the opportunity to earn a scholarship to help continue their post-graduation journey. Applications and details can be found on the website here.
Current seniors at Issaquah High School with plans to further their education after graduation can apply for one of Issaquah High PTSA’s senior scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to five students who have shown significant personal and academic growth throughout their IHS career. Applications are available on the IH PTSA website.
Celebrating & Exploring Diverse Cultures
Late winter and spring bring several opportunities to celebrate the numerous cultures that make our community so unique:
- Cultural Night at Clark Elementary—A musical concert and representation from at least 20 different countries on Friday, Feb. 9, from 6–8 p.m.
- Cultural Fair at Pacific Cascade Middle School—Cultural booths from around the world as well as entertainment and a food truck in March.
- Cultural Heritage Fair at Issaquah Middle School—A student and family event to showcase the cultural diversity at IMS on Friday, March 22, from 6–8 p.m.
Popular Grand Ridge Events Return
This winter, Grand Ridge Elementary will host its variety show “Grizzlies Got Talent!” on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Students can showcase some of their many talents. Find participation details on the PTSA website in January.
In March, students will have the opportunity to create their own science projects and share them with the community at the Science Fair on Wednesday, March 13. This event also needs adult volunteers to listen to students as they present and give feedback on their science projects—no science degree required, just listening and curiosity! Details are available on the PTSA website in February.
Parent Education Events
ParentWiser will host two in-person events this winter before it wraps up the year with a virtual event in March. On Jan. 16, Jenni Pertuset will speak about “Relieving Frustration” at the ISD Administration building. Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick will lead a discussion titled “The Parent Compass: Practical Steps to Navigate the Adolescent Years” at the ISD Administration building on Feb. 7. Finally, on March 7, Terri Bacow will present “Goodbye, Anxiety” over Zoom. For more information and to register, visit the ParentWiser website.
You’re Invited!
Save the date for ISF’s Nourish Every Mind Student Showcase returning to the Issaquah Community Center on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Connect with your community as students share how support from the foundation fuels innovation and student success in our schools.
Teacher Grant Awards
Since 1987, ISF and its donors have helped support innovative, impactful ideas through the teacher grant program. Teacher grants have funded instruments for our fine arts programs, encouraged exploration in math and science through online technology tools and equipment, fueled a love a reading by providing thousands of diverse books of all levels, and promoted inclusivity and empathy through social emotional learning tools and physical education experiences. Keep an eye out in late January for this year’s grant award winners.
Laura Gaffney is a Grand View Park resident.
