Regional School News Roundup
Summary : This roundup highlights the powerful teaching and learning happening across our schools.
Learning Comes Alive in SPS
Central
Celebrating the Importance of Reading with the Seahawks
The Seahawks brought the joy to Lowell Elementary with its 12 Pages reading program, created to make reading fun and encourage literacy across Washington state.
Partnering with PEMCO Insurance, former Seahawk Garry Gilliam Jr. and Seahawks dancers read books and shared why reading is important to them. Students also had the chance to win Seahawks swag—keeping the Super Bowl excitement going while celebrating the power and importance of literacy.
Northeast
Unity in the Community Brings Nathan Hale Together
After a brief delay to make room for the Seahawks’ celebratory parade, Nathan Hale High School’s most anticipated tradition returned right on cue: Unity in the Community.
Held annually, Unity in the Community is a student-led seminar day featuring educational, informative, and engaging workshops designed to bring the Hale community together. Planned and organized by students, the event is one of the most looked-forward-to days of the year at Hale.
From there, students led the way—organizing more than 50 workshops for their peers to choose from. Student-led sessions included What’s Mime is Yours, Upcycling Shark Tank with Thrift Club, and African Dance. Community partners and guests also joined the day, offering workshops such as Legally Brunette with attorney Michelle Farris, sessions with the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a making workshop with Yaoyao Liu and Malika Bennett, and Disaster Preparedness with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management.
The day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Deaunte Damper of King County Public Health, followed by the always-popular Cultural Fashion Show, celebrating identity, culture, and self-expression.
Beloved returning favorites—like 50 Questions to Fall in Love, Palestinian Embroidery, and Line Dancing with Ms. Toni—rounded out a full day of learning, connection, and fun.
Northwest
Licton Springs Scholars Shine in Seattle Opera Partnership
Students at Licton Springs K–8 recently teamed up with Seattle Opera to bring a joyful, student-powered version of “The Pirates of Penzance” to life. With music and lyrics provided by Seattle Opera, third and fourth graders rehearsed three days a week from January through March, building their skills, confidence, and love for the performing arts.
All the students learned the group songs, while others took on special roles as pirates, wards, and constables—shining on stage through their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm. The opportunity came to life thanks to student interest in more performing arts, a parent who championed the idea, PTA funding, and the leadership of art teacher Anne Wasson, who organized the experience.
The performance was shared during an all-school assembly, with families invited to attend so the entire community could celebrate together.
Bagley Elementary Celebrates Pi with Math, Robotics, and Pie
The Daniel Bagley Elementary community came together for an evening of math and engineering fun during its Pi Night celebration on March 13. Families, students, and staff filled the cafeteria to celebrate Pi and the many creative ways math shows up in everyday life.
The evening kicked off with an exciting robotics demonstration from the award-winning Ballard Robotics team, inspiring students with hands-on examples of engineering and innovation. The spotlight then turned to Bagley students during the Pi Recitation contest, where participants confidently recited anywhere from one to 105 digits of Pi. One special guest—a Bagley alum—returned to impress the crowd by reciting more than 300 digits from memory.
Throughout the event, families explored a variety of math games set up around the cafeteria, encouraging problem-solving and playful learning for all ages. And no Pi Night would be complete without pie—guests enjoyed a delicious pie potluck that brought everyone together to end the night on a sweet note.
Bagley’s Pi Night was a joyful celebration of learning, community, and the fun side of math, leaving students inspired and families smiling.
Southeast
South Shore PreK‑8 Celebrates Student Learning at the 4th Annual Black Studies Student Showcase
On March 12, South Shore PreK‑8 was the host of the 4th Annual Black Studies Student Showcase, an evening filled with learning, creativity, and pride. Students confidently shared their work, demonstrating how Black Studies supports academic growth while strengthening identity, voice, and community connection.
Throughout the showcase, students presented projects focused on community safety, comparative studies between Black and Native American communities, and the use of holding circles to create healthy learning environments at school. Acting as docents for their work, students guided guests through their projects, explaining their research and the meaning behind their creations.
Middle school students highlighted their understanding of Ubuntu, a philosophy rooted in shared humanity and the belief that we are all connected and responsible for one another. Students shared how Ubuntu shapes the way they build respectful relationships and care for their school community.
A special highlight of the evening was a film created by 12th‑grade alumni about the impact of Black Studies. They shared how these courses continue to influence their learning and commitment to supporting Black Studies, inspiring both students and families in attendance.
Southwest
Denny International Community Comes Together to Support Families
The Denny International Middle School community recently showed the power of collective care and generosity. Through a coordinated effort, more than 300 families received free groceries and essential household supplies—thanks to the dedication of over 40 volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly.
This meaningful work was made possible through strong community partnerships with Seattle CARES, Churchome, the City of Seattle, the 4C Coalition, and King County Best Starts for Kids. Seattle Public Schools’ Distribution Services also supported the effort to ensure an efficient and seamless delivery process.
With many moving parts, this effort demonstrated what’s possible when a community unites around a shared purpose.