Support for Students in the Issaquah & Sammamish Areas
Lambert House Free Self-Defense Workshop Feb 23, 2025 Renton
This class is specifically for LGBTQ youth and will address multiple topics including verbal harassment, prevention strategies and physical safety. email: kcgroups@lamberthouse.org
The Garage: Teen Art Gallery Feb. 26, 2025 6pm
Experience art & poetry from Issaquah teens at the Garage. This event will feature visual art as well as poetry by teen artists!
ISD Family Partnership Team: Fifth Grade Transition to Middle School Information Night March 3, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom!
You're invited to join our Family Partnership Team for a Fifth Grade Transition to Middle School Information Night. This session is perfect for families that are new to the United States, or anyone wanting to learn more about middle school life. We’ll cover important topics such as course selection, elective options like orchestra and choir, PE/Health classes, sports, clubs, health and immunization requirements, costs/fees, and supplies. Don’t miss out on this helpful opportunity to prepare for a smooth transition to middle school! Register here.
KCLS: Renton LGBTQ+ Youth Group Sat, March 15, 3:00pm–4:30pm View all dates Renton
This free support group is open to ages 11 to 22 who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, plus other identities like non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc.) and for youth who may be questioning or exploring their gender or sexual identities. In partnership with Lambert House. Parent/guardian permission required for ages 12 and younger. Before attending, please email kcgroups@lamberthouse.org to register and for more information.
KCLS: Caregiver Workshop: Turning Behavior Struggles into Success! Sat, March 22, 4:00pm–5:00pm Sammamish
In this workshop for caregivers and parents, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Rebecca Dudley will discuss challenging behaviors. Talk about why they occur, how to respond and plan for them. She will cover how to manage getting out and about with ease including car must-haves. Lastly, she will touch on embedded learning, learning through everyday life and give recommendations for activities caregivers can replicate at home. Rebecca Dudley is a board certified behavior analyst with a certificate in organizational behavioral management.
KCLS: Elementary After School Club: Crafternoon View all dates Sammamish
Drop in and hang out with other elementary schoolers while crafting! Stay for the entire event or pop in for a few minutes. The library will provide materials while supplies last, but feel free to bring your own craft projects. Ages 6-12.
KCLS: Reading Buddies at the Sammamish Library (Study Zone) View all dates
Volunteers help students practice reading out loud. Two students are paired by reading level with each volunteer. Book selection focuses on readers in grades K-8 and English language learners in grades K-12. Reading Buddies share eBooks on an iPad. Books selection changes every two weeks. Students may bring a book to share. Look for volunteers wearing the green Reading Buddies t-shirt. Add your name to the sign-up sheet for a 30-minute spot at your reading level.
The Garage, A Teen Cafe: Mon - Fri 3pm - 7pm, School Break Hours 12pm - 6pm
The Garage is a non-profit drop-in space exclusively for high school teens. We're a safe space for teens to come hang out with friends, grab a coffee and a snack, play a game, play music, watch TV, talk over homework, meet with a counselor, and much more! All events & activities, services, food, and drinks at The Garage are free of charge. Our teens develop and produce all events and activities that happen at the Garage under guidance and support from staff. From Open Mic Nights to Movie Marathons, it's all up to you!
AFK is a Youth Mentoring Program focused upon building supportive, mentoring relationships between high school athletes and children who have disabilities and special needs of all kinds. Athletes For Kids serves children in 1st-12th grades who have disabilities and special needs of all kinds. We carefully match each child with a qualified high school athlete, who commits to mentoring a child for one to three years. Once a mentorship is formed, the pair meets two to four times a month.
Issaquah School District
New District Regulation Limiting Immigration Enforcement; Resources for Families: We’re pleased to share that our new Immigration & Refugee Resources page is now live on our website, offering information and support for all families in our district. The page outlines key protections and policies, including newly adopted Regulation 4300: Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools, which underscores our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child — regardless of immigration status — can thrive. Our goal is to equip families with clear knowledge of their rights and assurance that our schools prioritize the dignity and well-being of every student. On this webpage, you’ll find practical guidance on: - Every child’s right to attend school, regardless of immigration status. - Our commitment to protecting student privacy and not sharing immigration-related information. - Steps we take to ensure our schools remain safe and welcoming for all families. - How we prevent unauthorized immigration enforcement on campus. - Resources for immigrant families including legal services, educational opportunities and available benefits.
OSPI Guidance Protections for Immigrant Students in Washington’s K–12 Public Schools: OSPI released guidance on state and federal protections for immigrant students in Washington’s K–12 public schools. The guidance provides schools with a roadmap of requirements related to student privacy, access to educational services, and immigration enforcement on school campuses.
Family Liaisons: Dedicated Staff Assisting Families flyers in 10 languages Many parents have question such as who to contact with student concerns, what the class choices are, what requirements are expected for graduation and classroom expectations. The Family Liaisons help families understand and navigate our school system.
Technology Resources for Families who Participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program: Comcast/Xfinity now offers internet service for $9.95/month for families who participate in the National School Lunch Program (free and reduced lunch). Families should contact Comcast/Xfinity or call Comcast at 1-855-846-8376. ISD also offers free (surplused) desktop computers (and Windows/Office software) to families who participate in the National School Lunch Program (free and reduced lunch). Families should talk to their school counselor or a staff member. Please note: All students attending ISD middle and high schools will check out a laptop for the school year to use at school and at home. More information here
Help Available for Homeless Students via McKinney-Vento Act: Through the McKinney-Vento Act, children who are homeless have certain rights and protections to help them to continue with their education while they are without housing. If your family lives in any of the following situations, you may qualify for rights provided by McKinney-Vento: In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground. * On the street. * In an abandoned building, trailer or other inadequate accommodations. * Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing. Do you need assistance? Contact your student’s school counselor. If you are unable to reach your school counselor, contact the Student Interventions and Compliance Department at 425-837-7158. Call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Help Line number: 1-800-308-2145
is a program of Issaquah Schools Foundation that helps build relationships between families from diverse cultures and languages, their children, the ISD, and the broader Issaquah community through outreach, events, mentoring, translation services and a magazine published in 7 languages.
Cultural Bridges Magazine Issue 29 Now Available: Availabe to read or download in Arabic (عربى), Chinese (中文), English, Spanish (Español), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Russian (русский), or Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). Some topics in Issue 29 include: New elementary report cards, peer tutoring, inclusionary practices, the difference between PTA/ASB/Booster Club, and the services that the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank provides.
Our Cultural Bridges Family Guide 2024-2025 is now available! With this Family Guide, Cultural Bridges wants to help you to be informed about your child's education. This guide is a compilation of information from the Issaquah School District for families with kids in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. Available in EIGHT languages.
Hopelink Financial Capabilities Program
FAFSA Assistance: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open to all students and families hoping to get help paying for college in the 2025-26 school year. Students and their families who would like assistance with navigating FAFSA can reach out to financialed@hopelink.org.
King County Library System:
Sept 2024: Back to School: Gear up for success in the new school year with free library resources. Find homework help, tutoring, career services, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, your library is here to support all the learners in your life.
K-12 Educator, Parent, and Caregiver Support Resources: Community Resources, Streaming Story Times, Drawing, and Songs, Additional Educational Resources
Lynda.com is a leading online learning platform that helps you learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve your personal and professional goals at your own pace.You can use Lynda.com for free with your KCLS Library Card.
Student Accounts: Your student ID now provides you with instant access to all of the online resources that KCLS offers. Your account number is your school's code followed by your student ID (with no dashes or spaces). Your pin is the last four digits of your student ID. You will never have fines or fees on your student library account. Use your student account to download an eBook or get homework help! Elementary School Students Middle, High School, and College Students
Study Zone Plus: Need help with your homework? Connect to homework help and services for students in grades K-12. Help is available online and in person. Find more information about Tutors, Math Club, Reading Buddies, and Kids & Teens Talk Time.
KCLS Digital Navigators: Learn computer skills and internet basics. Get help finding low-cost broadband and devices. Meet with one of our staff members online or by phone. Do you need a computer or new or better Internet access at home? Digital Navigators can help you find low-cost options. Digital Navigators can also help you find resources to learn basic computer and internet skills. Make an appointment online. Or, call our help line, Ask KCLS, at (800) 462-9600
Affordable Connectivity Program Ended April 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP stopped accepting new applications as of February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024. More than 77,000 households in King County could see their internet bills go up in May when the federal ACP runs out of money. Households have options for continuing service and switching plans, but must communicate with their internet provider to choose and confirm a continuing internet service plan and costs when the discount ends…or to ensure they end their service plan with a company if they want to. For more information, What low-income users of the Affordable Connectivity Program need to know and do when the discount ends.
Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission’s program to make communications services accessible to low-income consumers in Washington State. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet access service, or voice-broadband bundled service purchased from participating providers.
US Park Service: Every Kid Outdoors pass program This pass is valid to Aug. 31, 2025
This initiative by the U.S. National Park Service provides free access to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for a full year. To get started, simply visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, have your fourth grader complete a short, educational activity, and download the paper voucher. This pass is valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2025, and covers entrance fees for the whole family. It's a fantastic way to explore nature, learn about wildlife and enjoy outdoor adventures together.
Welcome to the Benefits Hub! Are you balancing a combination of school, work, and life? Are you working hard, but still having a difficult time keeping up with bills and the rising cost of living? United Way of King County’s Benefits Hub will help you get by, get ahead, and stay ahead so that you can achieve your college and career goals.
12th Year Campaign Key to Success Financial Aid Resources
Welcome to our digital version of our key to success. These resources will help you as you assist students with completing financial aid and admissions applications. Use scroll bar at bottom of page to navigate all resources, including Translated Materials.
OSPI: New Tuition Free Program in WA State
A new program in Washington has the potential to open doors for students identified as low-income. “We’re going to guarantee to you, you won’t have to pay tuition or fees at most public institutions so you can pick a community college, one of the regional universities or UW or WSU. It will be open to you without having to pay tuition," said Michael Meotti, the executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council. Click HERE for more details about the program.