Welcome Back to School from Superintendent Jones

Dear SPS Families, 

On behalf of the Seattle Public Schools community, I am excited to welcome our students and staff back to school!  A special welcome to our incoming kindergarten students—the SPS Class of 2035! 

As a graduate of SPS, I am here because I believe deeply in the power of public education. Great things happen in our schools, and we are honored that your student is attending one of them.  

SPS is steadfast in our desire to provide all students with a quality, equitable education. Our focused commitment to our top priorities is what makes our schools exceptional.

Students come first 

The last several years have underscored the value of student learning and connection. You can count on high-quality learning experiences for your child because we are investing our time and energy in preparing students for life outside the classroom.  

SPS will do this work by focusing on third grade reading, seventh grade math, and college and career readiness. This includes 

• ensuring that third graders read at or above grade level. This is a critical benchmark for students. The end of third grade is when students make the leap from learning to read to reading to learn; 
• implementing new math materials for elementary students. This adoption ensures we are teaching a math curriculum that aligns across all our schools with Washington State Learning Standards;  
• offering virtual courses in American Indian studies, Filipinx American studies and Black studies, as well as more world languages to high school students across the district.  

SPS is committed to giving every student – especially those who are furthest from educational justice – the tools they need to succeed. 

Caring, committed staff 

I am honored to work with the dedicated and talented educators, staff, and school leaders of SPS. We stand ready to support our educators throughout this school year. Our educators and staff are highly qualified and committed to the success of each student. SPS staff foster learning, growth, and connection for students every day — inside and outside of the classroom. 

Safe and welcoming school environments 

This summer, our Safety and Security team conducted walk throughs at every school. The team is implementing new required training for school security.  

We made improvements at schools to make sure students and staff return to safe and welcoming campuses. And we will continue to have courageous conversations with our elected, business, and civic leaders about the importance of safety in our school communities.  

Let’s allow this to be a time of jubilance for our scholars. I hope you will join me in greeting the new school year with excitement and a commitment to learn and grow together. It’s time to come together and put our focus on our students. I’m ready to do the work. 

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. 

In partnership, 

Dr. Brent Jones 
Superintendent 
Seattle Public Schools