What book series was the top recommendation from our third-grade readers at Franklin and Holmes elementary schools? We don’t think you’ll need Professor Trelawney’s crystal ball to figure it out…
Check out why Harry Potter is still beloved by young readers after nearly 30 years in this week's Page Turners!
SAVE THE DATE: Winterfest is Jan. 30! Engage in real life activities for free at Riverfront Park, and sign up for a special opportunity to hear from cast members of The Lion King Best of Broadway show. More details.
HI, BUOY! the Seattle Kraken sea-troll visited Hamblen Elementary School yesterday, getting third grade students hyped for learning – and hockey. Watch the video!
Twice a day, Jefferson Elementary School Crossing Guard and Paraeducator Kandy Jess-Conrad brings sunshine to the crosswalk at 37th and Grand, even on foggy days. She is instantly recognizable in her bright vest and short pants, greeting every student with warmth and energy during their walk to and from school.
Watch Mic'd Up with Kandy
SUPPORT HEART: The annual gift card drive supporting students experiencing homelessness runs now through Dec. 8. Learn how you can help.
HEART THROWBACK: Did you know that our Homeless Education And Resource Team (HEART) has been collecting gift cards for students for more than a decade?
We found this photo of former HEART Intake and Transportation Specialist Jan Tarter and current HEART Liaison Sarah Miller receiving a donation from Lincoln Heights Elementary staff in 2014.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of dollars in gift cards have been distributed to students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, especially students who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
If you’d like to donate, please visit Support Heart. Thank you for showing that Spokane cares.
COFFEE WITH SPS: All community members are invited to join Spokane Public Schools leaders for conversation over coffee each month. Our next event is at North Central High School on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 8 a.m. Please bring questions, share feedback and learn more about opportunities for students. Check in at the school’s office and follow the signs to the event. Thank you to Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters for donating fresh, locally roasted coffee! Find upcoming dates at spokaneschools.org/coffee.
WATCH: Franklin Elementary School 3rd grader recommends “Diary of A Wimpy Kid,” following the trials and tribulations of middle school underdog Greg Heffley. Check out Page Turners.
WATCH: All are invited to a night of creativity across generations at Peperzak Middle School, featuring art and music by students at Hutton, Mullan Road, Moran Prairie, Hamblen, Adams, Sacajawea, Chase, Ferris, and Lewis and Clark on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m.
Special guests and partners will also display their art and offer hands-on art activities. Thank you for supporting our students, Chris Bovey of Vintage Print + Neon, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Spokane Solid Waste Management, Art Salvage and Art Room 509.
Check out a video about Iconic Connections Art Night.
WATCH: Longfellow Elementary School 4th grader Juniper recommends the graphic novel “Sisters.” Juniper relates to the book because she, like Raina, has a younger sister. “Me and her argue a lot!”
You don’t turn 102 every day. But when you do, you should definitely celebrate at the middle school that bears your name. Since Peperzak Middle School opened in 2023, Carla Peperzak has visited the school each year on Nov. 7 to receive birthday wishes from the Pumas. Watch: Happy 102, Carla!
Greet the day with Shadle Park High School ABLE teacher Darby Schmidlkofer as she welcomes Highlanders with secret handshakes, high fives and hugs. Watch "Mic'd Up."
COFFEE WITH SPS: All community members are invited to join Spokane Public Schools leaders for conversation over coffee each month at a different school. Our next event is at Franklin Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at 8 a.m. Please bring questions, share feedback and learn more about opportunities for students. Check in at the school’s office and follow the signs to the event. Thank you to Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters for donating fresh, locally roasted coffee! Find upcoming dates at spokaneschools.org/coffee.
Want to see what your students are doing in SchooLinks, our career and college software? All kids in grades 7-12 use SchooLinks as part of their career and college exploration curriculum. Read more: https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/2477862
COFFEE WITH SPS: All community members are invited to join Spokane Public Schools leaders for conversation over coffee each month. Our next event is at Salk Middle School on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at 8 a.m. Please bring questions, share feedback and learn more about opportunities for students. Check in at the school’s office and follow the signs to the event. Thank you to Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters for donating fresh, locally roasted coffee! Find upcoming dates at spokaneschools.org/coffee.
Ready to race? Nearly 4,000 K-5 students run cross country each fall. Season starts the week of Sept. 8. Sign up here: https://spokanesd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDlxdlJY7l5Glx4
