We co-create just and humanizing educational communities where every student thrives and succeeds, benefiting future generations. 

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Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous

Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the culture and history of the indigenous American peoples in the United States. The day provides a much-needed opportunity to honor and celebrate Indigenous American peoples, in an opportunity to teach, lift up and celebrate their tribes, cultures, history, and lessons.

At the same time, this can be a somber and necessary chance to learn about and reflect on the atrocities that colonialists have perpetrated against Indigenous communities throughout history.

The idea for Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas hosted by the United Nations. However, it would only be in 1990 at the First Continental Conference on 500 Years of Indian Resistance that indigenous peoples from across the Americas would decide that 1992 would be a year of unity across the continents and a celebration of liberation, as a direct response to the 500th anniversary of the first voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 by joining in with the celebrations that are happening locally, by learning more about indigenous peoples, histories, and cultures, or by viewing and celebrating art and media by Indigenous creators. As part of your celebration, it is valuable to:

  • Acknowledge the land you’re on and the part played by local Indigenous peoples
  • Help rebuild local ecosystems with native plants
  • Support Indigenous businesses, authors, and craftspeople
  • Attend local Indigenous events
  • Visit a museum that shares Indigenous art, history, or culture

Learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day here.

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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