The Advocate
The Advocate is updated in the first week of every other month September through May, containing articles relating to private school issues, representation, and local-to-national news relevant to independent schools.
Early Education for Children 0-6 years old
Washington State is making changes quickly: Private Schools are concerned WFIS continues to support an increase in excellent preschool options for all families wanting or needing care for their children. However, the new state regulations are forcing some...
read more
Annual Safety Checklist by Andrew Rauch, School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisor for WFIS
In thinking about the important role of each School Safety Contact, WFIS asked Andrew Rauch, Facilities Director for Two Schools, to share advice and a brief check-list of things he has found useful & important when preparing for the start of the new...
read more
Guidance on Cleaning Weight Room & Athletic Equipment
Maintenance and cleaning are a focus in August as schools get ready for students. One school reached out to "Ask Nancy" for advice on cleaning of the weight room and athletic equipment. Question:Is there a policy schools should establish on cleaning the...
read moreHow Private Schools Are Implementing the new MMR Vaccination requirement
From Rules to Communication and Record Tracking to Exemptions The new law went into effect on July 28 and applies to all public and private schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Here is what private schools need to know:Schools need to email or...
read moreBuilding Reading Proficiency
Schools are rethinking the most effective ways to build students’ reading proficiency. In this Spotlight from Ed Week, learn how new audits are helping schools evaluate reading curriculum, the role of equity and empathy in reading instruction, and how...
read morePrivate Schools in WA excel at supporting students with dyslexia
Hamlin Robinson School fourth grader Michael Parton writes in the air as part of the process of learning to spell and write in cursive. (Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times)
read moreJustice Department Wades Into Voucher Lawsuit
David Sharp, Associated Press - The DOJ is backing students and parents who have filed a lawsuit alleging that Maine unconstitutionally excludes religious schools from one of the nation's oldest school choice programs. Under the program, the state covers the costs...
read more
Congratulations to The Northwest School!
The Northwest School has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2019 Green Ribbon School. The Northwest School is one of 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions honored with the recognition, and one of four winners...
read moreFlorida, Tennessee Pass Choice Legislation
Two states passed significant school choice bills designed to give low-income families the opportunity to send their children to private schools they might not otherwise be able to afford. Florida The Florida Legislature has approved legislation creating the Family...
read more
Signed in Law, School Safety Bill Includes Private Schools in Emergency Notification
Senate Bill 5514 was signed into law Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee, requiring schools to be notified when violent incidents occur nearby. For several years WFIS has strongly advocated for private schools' inclusion on this much needed policy and the state's private...
read moreHolocaust education bill signed into WA State law
Friday April 19, 2019 - article in the Spokesman Review Schools in Washington will be “strongly encouraged” to teach students about the Holocaust under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, with advocates pointing to a spike in hate crimes as...
read more