News

You’re invited to explore the results of January’s ThoughtExchange on our budget development process. More than 330 ideas were shared and rated nearly 13,000 times by 360 participants. A strong majority—69%—reported having at least some knowledge of the budget development process. Check out the top themes and all submitted thoughts in our interactive report. 

At Highline, we are committed to ensuring all students, families, and staff feel welcomed, valued, and safe. As part of this commitment, we have security procedures in place to protect everyone in our buildings. The security systems, installed in spring 2024, allow office staff to see and talk to visitors before unlocking the door. 

Literacy is one of our Big 4 focus areas, and we’re seeing growth. Elementary students are building strong reading and writing skills, while secondary students engage with complex texts and expand their vocabulary. Secondary iReady scores show a 6% increase in students reading at grade level. Teachers use data and professional development to refine instruction, ensuring every student is prepared for their future. 

At this time, we plan to open schools on time on Friday, February 7. We are closely watching conditions. We want to remind you that if weather conditions require a two-hour delay on an early release day, school will be canceled for the day.

You are invited to an open house at the Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center on Sunday, March 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Thursday, February 6. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal.  

We are expanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure every Highline student receives the right support or enrichment to succeed. A new District MTSS Implementation Team is guiding this effort, working with focus schools to refine strategies before expanding districtwide next year. This year’s priorities include instructional planning, professional learning, and a strong emphasis on literacy. 

Winter weather--including windstorms--may force a change in the normal school schedule, even for students who attend virtual programs. We want you to be prepared and know where to get information.

The Highline School Board is seeking community involvement as they seek applications and nominations to fill two vacant seats on the board. Review the appointment timeline and see how you can be involved in the process. 

We are seeing an encouraging trend in student enrollment. Looking ahead, we anticipate a slight enrollment decline over the next two years, followed by growth as more housing developments are completed in our community. Our enrollment projections are critical in budget development. As we develop our budget for next year, we are seeking feedback on the most important considerations to support all students we should prioritize. Give your input today. 

Starting April 14, 2025, we’re introducing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to keep everyone safe and informed during emergencies. With five easy-to-understand actions—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter—the SRP helps students, staff, and families know exactly what to do.

Help shape Highline's 2025-26 budget by joining our ThoughtExchange, open until February 2, 2025. Share what matters most to support students and rate others' ideas. Your input will guide resource allocation for equity and long-term success. 

Through hands-on learning and career-focused pathways, our Schools and Programs of Choice empower students to explore their passions and opt for learning communities that work for them. Whether it's exploring technology, healthcare, or internships, these programs are designed to give students the tools they need to thrive in the future they choose. 

Know someone interested in working at Highline Public Schools? Invite them to our in-person job fair on Saturday, February 8, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Puget Sound Skills Center.

At Highline, we don’t just make a promise—we live it every day. In our new and redesigned 2023-24 Annual Report, you’ll find stories that reflect the heart of our strategic goals and our commitment to fulfilling Highline’s Promise: to know every student by name, strength and need, so they graduate ready for their future.  

The report is mobile-friendly, includes translation features, and highlights the stories that bring our promise to life. It pairs with the Strategic Plan Dashboard, highlighting our successes, opportunities for growth, and providing a tool for the community to explore data and track progress toward Highline’s strategic goals. 

At Highline Public Schools, we are committed to transforming our district to ensure every student experiences true belonging and academic success within their neighborhood school. By integrating services and resources, our inclusion model supports diverse learning needs while fostering belonging. With a phased cohort approach, we expand these practices, celebrate milestones like unified sports, and improve academic outcomes. Join us in advancing inclusion for every student.

In an op-ed in The Seattle Times, Highline Superintendent Ivan Duran and Clover Park Superintendent Ron Banner urge lawmakers to address Washington’s K-12 education funding crisis.

Innovation, inclusion, and opportunity are thriving in Highline schools, thanks to nearly $95,000 in grants awarded by the Highline Schools Foundation this year. This funding empowers educators to enhance learning through initiatives like outdoor history trips, eSports programs, and inclusive track meets.

We are redesigning our middle and high schools to better support every student. Through listening sessions and pilot programs, we are focusing on real-world relevance and instructional rigor. Learn how each high school is taking steps to make learning more meaningful and engaging.

Synergy Mail, a messaging system connected to ParentVUE, will be retired after December 2024. Starting January 2025, all family communication will take place through ParentSquare.  

We are beginning the process to develop our budget for the 2025-26 school year. Thanks to steady enrollment and the $8 million in budget reductions this school year, we do not anticipate the need for additional reductions in the 2025-26 budget.  

Teachers at our secondary schools have created detailed course syllabi to support student learning. Each syllabus outlines course expectations, content descriptions, and the academic standards students will master by the end of the term. Access the course syllabi directory, organized by school, subject and then teacher name.  

We are strengthening literacy instruction across Highline through standards-based, culturally responsive practices rooted in the science of reading. From foundational skills in elementary classrooms to engaged reading and vocabulary in secondary schools, we are preparing students for academic success and lifelong learning. Learn how collaboration and professional development are driving this work.

Our Highline Dual Language program is about more than language learning. It celebrates the rich cultures students bring to the classroom and helps them excel in school. Multicultural skills enable students to live, work, and communicate across cultures. For many family members, the program is a way for their children to stay connected to their heritage. For others, the program opens doors to different cultures and broadens their children’s own worldview and opportunities. Highline’s Dual Language program is innovative, inclusive and free.

Madrona Elementary School is closed on Thursday, November 21. All other schools in Highline Public Schools will open on time.