News

Students who read with confidence can learn new ideas faster, participate more fully in class, and express themselves with greater ease. This year’s work across Highline centers on helping every student in every grade build strong reading, writing and language skills.  Here’s an update on how schools are helping students become stronger readers, writers and communicators this year. 

We are urging state lawmakers to take meaningful action on literacy, special education funding, transportation, operating costs and school facilities. With minimal progress in the 2025 session and a short session ahead, we are joining districts statewide in calling for targeted investments where they matter most. To maintain long-term stability amid rising costs and insufficient state funding, Highline will reduce its budget by about $8 million for 2026–27 so we can stay focused on students and learning.

Highline Public Schools stands with our Somali and Afghan students, families, staff, and all immigrant communities. Recent remarks from the federal administration have caused pain and fear in our community, and we want to say clearly: you are welcome, you are valued, and you belong in Highline.

Hear how Sylvester Middle School centers belonging and connection for every student. Principal Chad Kodama talks transitions, inclusion and the moments that inspire him.

During the December 3 board meeting, the Highline School Board elected its new officers for the coming year. Director Joe Van was selected to continue his service as board president, and Director Angelica Alvarez was elected to serve as board vice president. 

Four members of the Highline School Board reaffirmed their commitment to serve our students, staff, families and community after winning their November elections. Angelica Alvarez, Joe Van, Dr. Damarys Espinoza and Blaine Holien each took the oath of office during a brief ceremony this week.

Winter break is coming up, and we want to thank you for all you do to help your children show up, learn, and feel part of our school community. This time of year often includes family gatherings and travel, sometimes far from home. We honor that. We also ask that travel plans follow the school calendar when possible, so your child doesn't miss valuable learning time. 

At Highline, everything begins with one question: how do we fulfill our promise to know every student by name, strength and need, so that they graduate prepare for the future they choose?

This promise shapes how we make decisions, how we build relationships and how we show up in our schools. Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran leads with this approach, grounding our work in values that center students.  

We’ve been sharing regular updates on our work to reduce the 2026-27 budget by $8 million while maintaining long-term financial stability. This week, we are focusing on two factors that directly inform those decisions: our latest enrollment data and early insights from the Superintendent’s Advisory Leadership Team.

Student conferences offer a chance to understand your child’s progress and build a strong connection with their teacher. We share 10 helpful questions to guide your conversation—from academic growth to social well-being—so you leave with a clearer picture and ways to support learning at home.

Highline educators stepped away from their daily routine to focus on what matters most: helping every student feel valued, supported and fully included. On November 3, teachers, paraeducators and school leaders spent the day learning together about what students need to feel a strong sense of belonging at school and to be successful in their learning.  

We continue our work to develop a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year. As shared in October, Highline will need to reduce spending by $8 million to maintain long-term financial stability. Department leaders are reviewing budgets now. We will also identify districtwide efficiencies and gather input from staff, families, students and community members. Monthly updates will be shared at School Board meetings throughout the year.

In kindergarten, your child’s progress reporting looks a little different from other grades. Instead of a traditional first-trimester report card, you’ll receive a WA Kids report that shares your child’s learning and development across key areas. 

Your child's report card will be distributed in the next few weeks. A report card communicates a student's learning progress during the grading period. All Highline schools are using standards-based grading (SBG) and student’s scores will reflect this.  

This school year, students in all grades are learning from updated health lessons that help them build healthy habits for body and mind. Check out an overview of what is being taught in elementary and secondary classrooms. Sexual health remains taught separately through FLASH. 

We are standardizing visitor check-in procedures across all Highline schools to support safety and belonging. All visitors are now consistently verified via intercom and must sign in and wear a badge. Families can help by not holding doors open. Read more about this update.

Election results are in! We are proud to share our levy is passing with overwhelming support from our community. Thank you to all voters who participated in this election. 

We’re celebrating the work of school psychologists who help Highline students learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Highline High School students are getting a head start on their futures through an innovative partnership with Eastern Washington University. These skills are essential in today’s digital world. Along the way, students gain confidence and experiences that prepare them for college, careers and life after graduation. 

Starting November 1, SNAP benefits will pause, which may affect some families. We are sharing food assistance resources, including local food banks and support services. All enrolled Highline students can still receive free school meals daily. For more help, contact your child’s school directly.

Graduation dates for 2026 have been announced. 

The 2025 levy would continue funding for programs and services that are not fully funded by the state. These include college and career readiness staff, counselors, social workers, transportation, safety staff and day-to-day operations. 

Highline uses Standards-Based Grading (SBG) as part of our instructional approach. This grading system focuses on measuring each student's progress toward clearly defined learning goals, based on the state standards set by Washington State. Learn how SBG helps support meaningful learning for every student.

Future Ready Fest brought more than 400 students and families together to explore pathways, connect with community partners, and get real help planning for life after high school.