A Fresh Start: New Year Updates and Information!
Got unwanted clothes or items? Start setting them aside now for the upcoming SPGA Clothing Drive this January in partnership with Clothes for Kids! Together, we can make a difference—read below for all the details on how you can help.
Dear Soundview Families,
I hope you all had a restful and joyful winter break filled with meaningful moments with loved ones. As we step into the new year, we’re excited to reignite the energy, curiosity, and sense of community that make Soundview so special. The months ahead are full of rich learning experiences, creative exploration, and opportunities for growth. Together, we’ll continue to support each student’s unique journey and build on the incredible momentum we’ve established this year. Thank you for being an essential part of our Soundview family, we’re thrilled to have you back next week!
Admissions Deadline
The admissions deadlines for the 2025-2026 school year are fast approaching in January, all applications from prospective new families are due Friday, January 31st. If you know of a family that would benefit from an ethical, rigorous, and compassionate education, please put them in touch with our Director of Admissions, Victoria Nunes, as soon as possible by visiting HERE.
Before and After School Care and Clubs
Soundview’s Winter Care & Clubs are filling quickly! These engaging and enriching programs offer wonderful opportunities for your student(s) to learn, grow, and have fun during the winter season. Don’t miss out on these fantastic clubs, spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today! Here are a few helpful details:
You can register your student(s) HERE.
Once your registration and payment are complete, our Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Christine Taylor, will personally reach out to provide the final forms needed to finalize your enrollment.
The Issaquah Ski and Snowboard School offers an exciting opportunity for registered families to participate in ski and snowboard lessons. This year, please note that the pick-up location has moved to Juanita Elementary School. Both students and family members are welcome to join in on the fun! To secure your spot and get ready for a season of adventure on the slopes, register HERE.
Inclement Weather
As we head into the heart of winter, here’s a reminder of what to expect in case of inclement weather:
School is always open and on regular schedule unless an announcement is made otherwise.
Soundview does not necessarily follow the closure decisions made by Edmonds School District or any other area schools.
If you feel unsafe coming to school, please stay at home and let us know. Make the safest decision for your family. Check Toddle or contact your teacher(s) directly for schoolwork/homework if Soundview is open and your student cannot make it in.
You will be notified of the school closure no later than 6:15 AM via email.
Updates will also be made on the Soundview website, social media, and morning news announcements on KOMO 4, KIRO 7, Q13, or KING 5.
Before/after-school programs, school events, and evening meetings will also be canceled for the day.
Soundview may add days to the school year to make up the missed time if we have three or more snow/inclement weather days. No make-up days will be added if there are fewer than four missed days. Thanks and stay safe!
Here are the January reminders and opportunities:
Join Incoming Interim Head/Assistant Head of School Chrissy Sinclair, our trustees, and me for four head transition virtual information sessions by pod: early years, first and second grades; third through fifth grades, and middle years. Our agenda will include get-to-know Chrissy, head transition process, and time for you to share what you value most about Soundview and ask questions. We’ll record and distribute these sessions too. Invitations will come directly to you via email.
We are excited to share a special opportunity for our middle school students to represent our school at the upcoming NWAIS Student Diversity Leadership Retreat on March 17th, taking place at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn, WA. This event is designed to foster leadership, collaboration, and personal growth while connecting students with peers from other schools. Middle school students from independent schools within the Puget Sound area are invited to come together, connect, and build relationships and skills around communication and inclusiveness during an overnight retreat. Further communication about this overnight retreat will be emailed in the coming weeks. Interested students should complete the online application form HERE.
Join the Soundview Parent and Guardian Association (SPGA) for their next meeting on Wednesday, January 8th, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center for our next meeting. If you require childcare please sign up for HERE.
Our 5th ParentMap ParentEd Talk will take place on Thursday, January 16th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The topic is Navigating Neurodiversity, Strength Based Support for Kids with ADHD with Pediatric psychiatrist and best selling author Dr. Ned Hallowell. The live viewing for current Soundview parents will be in the Soundview library, with an optional discussion until 1:30 pm. Space will be limited. If you're unable to join us in person, you can register to watch the live stream. Here are a few helpful details:
Soundview community members can register HERE.
The password for complimentary ticket access is SOUNDVSCH
After the talk concludes, all registered attendees will be emailed a link to watch the recorded session at their convenience.
The Soundview State of the School meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, January 22nd, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center. During the meeting, Soundview’s Board of Trustees will discuss their governance role, the head of school transition (including get-to-know incoming Interim Head of School Chrissy Sinclair), Soundview’s upcoming accreditation, and long-range financial planning, tuition, and strategic priorities. This is a can’t miss for Soundview families!
SPGA’s next big event is the Soundview Game Night and Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 25th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Please note the time change originally listed on the school year calendar. The event is on the Soundview campus with a variety of games for all age levels. The cook-off will have categories for chili, mac and cheese, kids’ cornbread, as well as opportunities to bring desserts and sides! Look for all the details in upcoming Friday emails.
Soundview School invites all fifth-grade students and their families to a special Middle School Preview on Thursday, January 23rd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Humanities Room. This informative event offers students and parents a firsthand look at the exciting opportunities, unique programs, and supportive community that define our middle school experience. Attendees will have the chance to meet teachers, explore the curriculum, and ask questions about the transition to middle school. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how Soundview continues to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Our January Community Coffee is on Wednesday, January 29th, from 9:10 am to 10:10 am in the Performing Arts Center. Upcoming dates are on the Community Calendar which you can find HERE.
The Soundview and the Soundview Parent and Guardian Association (SPGA) has partnered with Clothes for Kids! Each year, Clothes for Kids provides quality clothing for thousands of students where kids and teens can pick out their own clothes with their families. Clothes for Kids has served over 3,400 local underprivileged kids so far this school year and we are proud to be partnering with them. They are especially in need of winter items like hats, gloves, and coats. You can learn more about their mission HERE:
There will be collections from January 13th - 17th. Collection will happen during drop-off and pick-up so you don’t even have to get out of your car to participate, and there will be collection bins in the hallways of the school. The clothing drive will also be linked with the donation of the unclaimed lost and found items at the school. The primary donation and collection day is happening with the help of the SPGA on Friday, January 17th. Clothes can be donated at any time to the office during January 13th - 17th, but we would prefer to keep it as close to the collection days as possible so we are efficient in this process, and as well being mindful of the space limitations in our work areas.
Please note upcoming non-school days for students on:
Monday, January 20th in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Tuesday, January 21st for faculty/staff work day and report card writing.
Around the world and in different communities, Januarr is a month of recognition and awareness:
January is Poverty Awareness Month, a month-long initiative to raise awareness and call attention to the growth of poverty in America. For 130 years people have been fighting to end poverty by creating equity and opportunity. You can learn more about this HERE.
Saturday, January 4th is World Braille Day. World Braille Day is celebrated to honor the birth of Braille's inventor, Louis Braille. Braille's gift to the world has brightened the lives of millions of people around the world who are blind or visually impaired, and they benefit from his work every day. You can learn more about this HERE.
Can’t wait to see everyone on Tuesday!
Chris
Chris Watson, Soundview Head of School
One more thing…
On January 3rd, 1987 Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha Franklin was an artist of passion, sophistication and command, whose recordings remain anthems that defined soul music. Franklin was inducted into the Performers category for her work as "Lady Soul". Franklin's induction paved the way for other female artists, but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is still predominantly male. As of 2018, only 37 of the more than 200 performers and groups in the Hall of Fame were female. You can read more about this HERE.
