
LISTEN: On this month's "SPS Extra," Stephanie Splater and Nicole Hernandez discuss how many of the enrichment and extracurricular activities that SPS students enjoy are facilitated in partnership with other organizations, like Hooptown, Treehouse and Spark Central. http://www.spokaneschools.org/listen

Help students experiencing homelessness through the HEART Gift Card Drive from now through Dec. 10!
There ae 1,222 students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Gift cards allow these students to purchase items of their choice, and HEART staff can match students with cards most relevant to their needs and interests to provide them with extra support and care over the break.
LEARN MORE: https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1879801


LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Applications are now open for the 2025 Bank of America Student Leaders Program for current high school juniors and seniors.
This program includes an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization to learn first-hand about the needs of your community and the critical role nonprofits play, and an all expenses paid visit to Washington, D.C. for the Student Leaders Summit (July 21-26)
Bank of America will host two information sessions for students and families to learn more about this program on Nov. 19 and Jan. 7. Go to http://www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders to register for these sessions, as well as explore eligibility criteria and submit your application. Applications are due Jan. 15, 2025.


WATCH & LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkwcZtSFnNw
The next SPS Extra drops Nov. 21! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit http://www.spokaneschools.org/listen.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMdhUGLMV_A
Congratulations to Woodridge Elementary School third grader Sydney who received the very first City of Spokane Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Award for her bravery and selflessness in alerting her family during a house fire last year! Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg and other neighborhood firefighters presented the award to Syndey while visiting her school to provide fire safety education. We are grateful for SFD’s more than 30-year partnership in educating students about what to do in case of a fire

CALL TO APPLY: The Washington Department of Health (DOH) is seeking applicants ages 16-25 to join an Environmental Justice Youth Advisory Committee that will provide guidance on how DOH should work with communities to disseminate grant dollars to community-based organizations that are working on mitigating environmental justice. Applications are due by Dec. 6, 2024 at http://bit.ly/DOHejyc.


Winter weather will be here before we know it! Learn how SPS prepares its schools during heavy winter weather, and the district's processes for determining when to have school, when to delay by two hours, and when to cancel school: https://www.spokaneschools.org/page/school-closure-or-delay-information

Students learn civics education at every grade level!
“Civics education helps young people understand the principles of democracy, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the importance of participating in the civic life of their community,” Spokane Public Schools Chief of Staff Heather Bybee shared at a Board of Directors meeting earlier this month.
Read More: https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1834383


What happens in our U.S. History classrooms?
We mic'd up NC teacher Mrs. Gruis for this quick look at her class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjLv1rdcqlE


SPS is seeing record turnout for fall sports and extracurricular activities! Is your student involved in a sport, the arts or a school club?
Read more about the high turnout this fall: https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1823389
And subscribe and listen to the latest edition of the SPS Extra podcast, where we talk about the benefits of being involved in extracurricular activities at a young age: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1522507


SPS shares free classes and resources for parents! Check out our Parent Resources page for free online courses on dealing with mental health in children, challenging behaviors and much more: https://www.spokaneschools.org/page/parent-resources

Have coffee with SPS administrators! Coffee with SPS allows the public to ask questions over coffee in an informal setting each month. This month, we'll be at Madison Elementary on Oct. 29 from 8-9 a.m. Hope to see you there!


SPS Superintendent Adam Swinyard takes a moment to thank students, families and staff for a positive start to the new school year. Watch his message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbXYUtG2VVw


Do you have a child who will be in kindergarten within the next three years?
Sign up to receive Kindergarten Prep, our monthly e-newsletter to help prepare families for kindergarten!
More: https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1783132


Listen to the latest episode of “SPS Extra” and learn more about Engage IRL at http://www.spokaneschools.org/listen, or follow and subscribe to “SPS Podcasts” wherever you listen to podcasts.


HAVE COFFEE WITH SPS: Meet district administrators, ask questions and learn something new at Coffee with SPS! We'll be at Woodridge Elementary on Sept. 24 from 8-9 a.m. All are welcome, and the coffee is free! More: https://www.spokaneschools.org/page/coffee


The Hoodie Project has been selected as the “Touchdown For A Cause” recipient by Numerica Credit Union and Eastern Washington University! For each touchdown scored by EWU Football at four games this fall, Numerica will donate $100 to The Hoodie Project. Join in the fun with discounted tickets to Saturday’s game. More @ https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1748943




Headed to soccer and football games this fall at ONE Spokane Stadium? Make sure you print the special SPS parking pass to park for free in the old Value Village lot (Lot C).
More stadium information: https://www.spokaneschools.org/page/one-spokane-stadium





The good vibes flowed across Spokane on Thursday as SPS families visited schools for Launch Conferences!
“We want everyone to leave feeling like they’re off to a great start,” Garfield Elementary School principal George Gessler said as he received a hug from school mascot, Champ the Grizzly.
Contact your school if you want to connect today!

ELEMENTARY CROSS COUNTRY: Registration for elementary cross country is open! SPS students in grades K-5 train at their neighborhood school and will participate in two Feeder Pattern meets during the fall to qualify for an All-City meet on Oct. 22. Plus....there is no cost to participate! Register here: https://active4youth.org/program.html
