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Welcome to Our 2019-20 School Year!

This family information packet provides all of the important information for you and your student to get started in the new school year. It complements the mailing of our beautiful wall calendar featuring our student artwork and the booklet describing the current Strategic Framework governing the school. These two pieces should have arrived in hard copy last week, so please let us know if you did not receive them. Likewise, if you have any questions after you have read this digital packet, don’t hesitate to call the front office: 206.682.7353.

Letter From Head of School Mike McGill

"It’s impossible to disentangle environmental concerns from issues of social justice. Now, more than ever, then, it is imperative that schools everywhere center this study in their curricula and programs." Read more about Mike's thoughts on the ecological imperative of an urban environmental education.

Letter and Important Info From Upper School Director Chance Sims

"I’m proud to be a part of this unique school community, and I’m excited by our limitless potential to be an example of what school can be, and should be, in this age of unprecedented change. The world needs more examples of purpose-driven schools that make environmental stewardship a guiding principle." Read more about Chance's reflections over the summer break.

Letter and Important Info From Middle School Director Sue Maul

"The years of middle school, this time when students move from concrete to abstract thinking, this time when students feel great passions, is both a pivotal time and a step on the lifelong journey of learning, engaging, and growing." Read more for Sue's advice to Middle School students and parents as we begin the new year.

Biographies of Incoming Faculty

We are excited to announce the new faculty joining us this year. Click here to learn a little bit more about our new hires!

School Supplies List

Please note that the other Upper School grades do not have specific lists of required school supplies. Teachers will provide lists of materials needed for specific classes (calculators, special notebooks, reference materials, etc.).

Important Parent Information Sources

There are plenty of ways to figure out what is going on at The Northwest School. Click here for a list of the best ways to keep informed about school activities and events.

Opt In to Receive Emergency Text Messages

In the event of an emergency, the school will send you alerts via phone, email, and text message. If you want to receive the text message alert, you must first OPT IN. Click here for instructions on how to sign up.

Health Information Letter

Our goal is to keep all students safe and healthy. Please click here for a letter from our school counselors, and please click here for important information on the school's allergy policy and other health-related guidelines and resources.

Back-to-school Potluck Flyer

During the month of September, we like to host back-to-school potlucks! Because there are so many people involved, we've tried to make it easier for you to decide what to bring based on your last name.

School Photo Order Forms

Yuen Lui will be at The Northwest School to take photos of students on Sept. 3-4. Prices for photo packages can be found here, and you can pre-pay for your photos here.

Northwest School Spirit Wear

Northwest offers Spirit Wear via an online store. Items can be ordered at any time and picked up in Haus West. For our apparel, we choose companies that have a commitment to fair practice and environmental conciousness. See our online school store for further information or to place an order. Personalized duffle bags must be ordered by Aug. 19 for delivery by Sept. 6.

All proceeds from sales go towards the Raymond Taussig Terry Financial Aid Endowment.

Buddy Family Program Information Sheet

A critical part of The Northwest School philosophy is fostering a global perspective in our students. The Buddy Family Program offers an opportunity for domestic Northwest students and their families to establish a relationship with our international students outside the normal school day. If you would like to sign up, click here for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers at Northwest are a deeply valued part of our community. We recognize volunteerism as a way that many families make significant contributions to the school. We hope everyone can become involved and connect with the school and with one another.

We're eager to know which volunteer opportunities interest you. Please complete and submit this form by Sept. 16, 2019.

Sign Up for Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Grandparents and special friends of our students are an important part of our community. Each spring, we invite students' grandparents and special friends to come to the school and experience a day in the life of a Northwest student. Please click here and fill out the form so we can mail a formal invitation.

Other Important Resources