Our school vision states, “The Edmonds-Woodway High School community empowers students to achieve educational excellence while demonstrating integrity and compassion through responsible citizenship.” We take this vision seriously; our staff is dedicated to educational excellence, encouraging students to challenge themselves, supporting students through the tough job of learning and celebrating when students succeed.
This school year, as we continue to learn while our buildings are closed and as we plan for the possibility of opening in the future, we have three areas of focus:
Student Engagement and Student Voice: We strive to create engaging learning opportunities for all of our students even when they cannot be physically in our building. I encourage all students to attend their zoom sessions every day and take advantage of the office hours with their teachers. Students can also stay connected and give voice to our school through our Student ASB and through student run clubs. We have over 30 clubs at EWHS, and I encourage students to find at least one or start their own.
Parent Engagement: Now more than ever, we rely on our parents to be partners in their student’s education. We look forward to providing a variety of opportunities for parents to connect with us. We have three active booster clubs - the EWHS Parent/Staff Organization, the EWHS Athletic Booster Club, and EWHS Music Booster Club. Throughout the school year, we will provide parent webinars focused on specific topics to guide you through high school. And our PSO is continuing to sponsor a principal coffee hour when you can chat and ask questions (typically the second Friday of the month).
Equity and Student Efficacy: Equity in education is a focus for our school, and this year we will be working to build student self-efficacy in their own learning. Our staff are continuing their study of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. Hammon emphasizes growing an Academic Mindset in all students so that they believe they belong to their learning community, their school work has value, and they can succeed with effort.
We wish for all of our students and families a successful school year. We welcome your feedback and ideas as we learn, grow and adjust to our new learning environment.
Sincerely,
Allison Larsen