Highly Capable Program: Universal Screening & Referral Window

The Highly Capable Program serves students who perform, or show potential to perform, well above grade level and need accelerated learning and enhanced instruction beyond the general education curriculum.

Universal Screening: As required by Washington State law (RCW 28A.185.030), each year we review existing data for all K–6 students, including achievement scores, aptitude data, and classroom performance. This helps make sure we don't miss students who could benefit from advanced learning.

• No new tests are given, and students aren't pulled from class.

• Universal screening does not place a student in the program. It identifies students who may benefit from services; further testing is needed to determine eligibility.

• If screening shows your child may benefit from services, we will contact you to complete a referral.

• If you'd prefer that your child not be included in screening, please email Jodi Olson at jolson@sequimschools.org by November 20. Opting out of screening does not prevent you from submitting a referral.
  
  Referral Window: December 1 – January 31 Anyone may refer a student in grades K–11, whether or not the student was identified through screening. Parent/guardian permission is always obtained before CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) testing. Referral forms will be available on the district website beginning December 1. Paper forms will also be available at any building office or from Jodi Olson, Highly Capable Program Coordinator, jolson@sequimschools.org .

It's National School Psychology Week, a week we recognize the important role school psychologists play in supporting students, families, and school communities. This year's theme, "Inspire Connection", celebrates how meaningful relationships and collaboration help students thrive at school, at home, and in life.

BUS DRIVERS WANTED!

BUS DRIVERS WANTED!

What if your next job was one that made a difference every day?

Sequim School District is looking for School Bus Drivers, and this could be a great opportunity to join a team that plays an important role in getting our students safely to school, activities and home.

—> $27.41–$31.40/hour
—> Part-time, 20–40 hours/week
—> Paid training provided
—> Make a difference in the lives of students
—> Health & dental insurance, paid time off, union benefits and uniform allowance

No CDL yet? No problem. We provide training to help you get started.

Come drive with us!

👉 Apply today: https://www.q.wa-k12.net/sequim/ApplicantTracking/JobBoard/ViewJobPostings

We need your help, we are so close to our goal! Join us in reaching our goal of 1,000 Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) Applications! All applications are due back by Wednesday, September 30th!

Even though school meals are at no cost for families, completing the CNEEB Application is one of the most important ways you can support our students and schools.

Completing the application may help provide:
✅ College Bound Scholarship eligibility
✅ Reduced fees for sports, ASB, Running Start, and more
✅ Fee waivers for college applications and admissions tests (SAT/ACT)
✅ Additional state and federal funding that supports teachers, staff, and student programs
✅ SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) benefits

Every eligible application helps bring valuable resources to Sequim School District. Without enough completed applications, our district could lose funding and services that directly benefit students.

Please take a few minutes to complete the application today:
https://aptg.co/gFbvl9

Visit our website for more information:
https://www.sequimschools.org/page/all-students-eat-free-2026-27

Thank you for helping support every student in Sequim School District!

The Sequim Education Foundation (SEF) is hosting its 3rd Annual Hopes & Dreams Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday, October 24, from 5–8 pm at the Guy Cole Center!

SEF supports Sequim students and educators by funding teaching grants and scholarships that bring innovative learning opportunities into our schools and classrooms.

Come celebrate the impact of education in our community and help support the next generation of learners!

Tickets available through October 17:
sequimeducationfoundation.org/fundraiser

Dear Sequim School District Families,

We are following up on the communication sent earlier this morning regarding the TikTok trend known as the “Cat in the Hat” names list.

Prior to classes starting today, students came forward with information regarding the TikTok account and posts associated with it. Administration reviewed the information, spoke with the creators of the posts, and appropriate disciplinary action was issued.

Based on the information available, this appears to have been a poor decision made as part of a social media trend, with no intent to cause actual harm. However, situations like this can have serious consequences and understandably cause concern within our school and community.

We encourage parents and guardians to take a moment to talk with their students about the importance of making responsible choices online. Actions taken on social media can have real consequences at school and in our community.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to keep our schools safe and supportive for all students.

Stay Connected: If you did not receive this morning’s email or text alert, your email address and/or phone number may not be up to date in Skyward. Please contact your school office by phone or email to update your contact information.

If you have not yet downloaded the Sequim School District app, instructions are attached to this email to help you get started.

Regan Nickels
Superintendent
Sequim School District

Sent on behalf of Superintendent Nickels - 8/31/2026

Dear Sequim School District Families,

Our district has become aware of social media content circulating on TikTok and other platforms involving the viral online trend “Cat in the Hat” Names List. This trend involves edited and AI-generated images of the Cat in the Hat in suspicious or threatening situations. Some posts may reference specific individuals, schools, neighborhoods, or locations. The trend is a hoax.

Online Hoax Mentioning Sequim
Last night our school district was notified of posts that included a doctored photograph of the Sequim High School sign and a list of first names aligned with this Cat in the Hat trend. The posts were immediately forwarded to law enforcement, and our district began investigating the situation.

Law enforcement has reviewed the posts and we do not believe this online threat is credible. With that said, the safety and well-being of our students is our most important priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we will have a police presence and patrols on the high school campus today. School will be open at all campuses.

Reminder: If You See Something, Say Something.

If a student notices or receives a threatening post or sees content that appears to target an individual or school, they should report it immediately to a parent or guardian, school administrator, or law enforcement. We would rather investigate a concern that turns out to be harmless than have a student remain silent about something that could be a genuine safety issue.

Please remind your students:

1.) Tell a trusted adult immediately if you see or receive something that concerns you.
2.) Block and report accounts or posts that make you feel unsafe.
3.) Do not repost threatening or unverified content.
4.) How to report threatening or concerning online content – https://www.esd112.org/report-dont-repost/

Thank you for partnering with us to help our students navigate social media responsibly and safely.

Regan Nickels
Superintendent
Sequim School District

We’re excited to share that the Summer 2026 edition of Kaleidoscope is out now! This issue highlights so many amazing things happening across our district; stories of learning, connection, and community that make Sequim such a special place to learn and grow.

Take a moment to explore and celebrate the great work happening in our schools!

Summer 2026 Kaleidoscope:
https://isu.pub/f0rKDlx