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Getting Students in the Door: Why Washington's New Attendance Challenge Matters
A chart demonstrating Washington's goals to reduce chronic absenteeism each year.

Last month, Washington state joined a nationwide effort led by Attendance Works to change what attendance means in our schools. It's not about tracking who shows up—it's about recognizing that when students are in class, they're connected to teachers, peers, and the support systems that help them to thrive.

The National Chronic Absence Challenge set an ambitious goal: to cut chronic absenteeism in half over five years. For Washington, that means reducing chronic absence from 27% to 14% by 2029. Our school districts across PSESD are stepping up to meet this challenge.

When students miss school regularly, they fall behind academically—but that's only part of the story.

Students miss school for many reasons: illness, transportation barriers, family needs, or feeling disconnected from school itself. Regardless of why it happens, chronic absence disconnects students from their peers, their teachers, and the resources they need.

School is where many students eat nutritious meals, access mental health services, build relationships, and find stability. Attendance is really about access—it's about students being present for the people and supports that matter.

We're happy to see many PSESD districts have joined in. Our educators and school leaders know what's possible when every student shows up. The work of creating just and humanizing educational communities where every student thrives and succeeds, benefiting future generations, starts by making sure that every student can get in the door.

Visit this link to learn more: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/attendance-chronic-absenteeism-and-truancy/washingtons-5-year-challenge-cut-chronic-absenteeism-half.

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A man plays jazz on the standing bass.

In Shoreline School District, the Shorewood High School Jazz Band was recently selected as a finalist for the 31st annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, which is widely regarded as the nation’s most prestigious high school jazz competition. Shorewood was one of just 20 schools nationwide invited to perform at the event in New York City.

Read More about Shorewood Jazz Band Earns National Recognition at Essentially Ellington
Students wearing WEB Program T-shirts help younger students in a classroom setting.

Typically taking place from fifth to sixth grade, the transition from elementary to middle school can be particularly challenging for students. Luckily, sixth graders at Maple View and Summit Trail middle schools in Tahoma School District have been able to get some help with this challenge. The "Where Everyone Belongs" program—usually just referred to as “WEB”—recruits eighth grade leaders to make that sudden change of scenery a little smoother for middle school newbies, and it has proven to be a valuable resource for both schools. And not only does WEB help the younger students, but it also provides valuable leadership opportunities and new friendships for its older members.

Read More about Student Leaders Help Younger Peers Adjust to Middle School with WEB program
A smiling teacher in a burka assists two child students with a painting project in class.

Family engagement is one of the central tenets of Educare Seattle's work. It's one of the things that sets the program apart—a “whole child” approach that allows learning to extend beyond the classroom, bringing families and staff together to build community.

That approach was on full display earlier this month at Educare Seattle's first STEAM Night, which took place on March 26th, 2026. STEAM learning stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills in young learners.

Read More about Educare Seattle's STEAM Night Brings Families Together Around Learning
Young students sit at keyboards in class

Each year, the Washington State Board of Education's Washington School Recognition Program highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success. 

They have now announced those schools that are being recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for performance during the 2024-2025 school year, and this year, 163 schools in the PSESD school districts were recognized, out of a total of 379 public schools recognized in 150 school districts across the state of Washington. 

Read More about PSESD Celebrates 28 School Districts Recognized for Growth by Washington State!
A visual group of student art pieces including a painted portrait, an abstract, a textile dress with flowers, and a surreal painting

Here at PSESD, we're excited to celebrate the incredible talent of our young artists participating in the 2026 Regional Superintendent High School Art Show!

Each year, this show reminds us of the depth and power of student creativity. Through both their artwork and their personal reflections, these students share stories filled with emotion, insight, and courage.

As the 2026 Art Show unfolds, we invite you to recognize and honor these remarkable students for generously sharing their creativity and vision with us.
 

Read More about Announcing the Winners of the 2026 Regional Superintendent High School Art Show!
A smiling woman with flowers stands among a smiling group.

The PSESD Board of Directors was delighted to meet Maryan Abdow, the 2025 Classified School Employee of the Year, who visited the Board on April 22, 2026. Maryan was introduced to the Board by Amber McCulloch, the Senior Director of Learning, Teaching, and Family Support at PSESD, and who runs the Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year programs.
 

Read More about Maryan Abdow Honored by PSESD Board of Directors