Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! The Issaquah Schools Foundation and our Cultural Bridges Team hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled with time spent with family and friends. The New Year is celebrated worldwide and is one of the most important holidays in many cultures, including Japan.
As we enter the second half of the school year, elementary school parents can expect to receive their child’s new updated report card for the 1st semester. This should arrive at the end of January. We also hope families with special education students have become more comfortable and confident with the District-wide inclusionary practice model introduced this year.
For parents who grew up in different educational systems, it can sometimes be challenging to assist your children. Many people might have questions about course selection, differences in the curriculum, or partnerships with school organizations. In this issue you can learn more about the roles of PTA/PTSA, ASB, and the Booster Club, how to support your child’s course selection, and how to discuss schoolwork. These are all essential steps to bridging gaps and preventing misunderstandings.
When students transition to middle school, some may find math an academic challenge. Fortunately, since last year, the Issaquah Schools Foundation has piloted a Peer Tutoring program at one of our middle schools. This program continues this year. It is run in collaboration with middle and high school staff, high school student volunteers, and ISF. Its goal is to support students in building confidence and skills in math.
My hope for you in this new year is that you feel assured and supported by the many local community organizations working for you and your family. The Circle, The Garage, Influence the Choice, and the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank each offer valuable community services, counseling, programs, and events that enrich our schools and community.
Here’s to a bright and fulfilling 2025 and our incredible community!
Laura Ni, Cultural Bridges Lead Editor & Program Manager
Issaquah Schools Foundation
laura@isfdn.org
In This Issue
- A letter for Readers
- Issaquah Schools Foundation
- New ISD Family Partnership Liaison
- Peer Tutoring
- New Elementary Report Card
- Inclusionary Practices
- Calendars & Events
- How to Support Your Teenagers on Course Selection?
- PTA, ASB and Booster Club
- Empowering Student-Athletes to Make Healthy Choices
- The Circle & The Garage
- Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Community Services
- Discussing Curriculum at Home
- Getting to Know Japan
