WFIS News
Updates on our advocacy, committee work, legislative policy, and trending topics relevant to member schools.
Suicide Prevention Efforts
The WA Poison Center is warning that students are using Benadryl as a sleep aid or form of self-harm. The center wants to remind parents and those who work with teens that spring can be a turbulent time as the school year nears its end and academic pressure and social...
When the Right Fit Changes Everything
There are over twenty private schools that are also approved as "nonpublic agencies." These schools often operate in one-to-one or small-group settings and play a critical role in educating and supporting students with academic, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges...
Professional Development and Other Opportunities
School Safety The Board Chair Conversation: What to Say, When to Say It - The safety conversation between heads of school and board chairs either isn't happening or isn't happening early enough. On Monday, Joffe will walk through what that conversation should look...
The Federal (Freedom) Scholarship Tax Credit Program
The FSTC: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. WFIS wants school leaders to be fluent in their understanding of the FSTC and in their ability to answer questions and build financial strategies around it. Is the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit a Big Deal for...
Camps for Children with Disabilities
Type 1 Diabetes Camps in Washington Camp Leo for Children with Diabetes: Offers overnight camps in Western Washington for grades 3-12, including leadership training for older teens. Panther Camp (Diabetes Association of Pierce County): A day camp located in Covington...
Professional Development and Other Opportunities
School Nurse Day - Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Events Free webinar on May 6, from 1-3 pm to cover: Understand the basics of functional neurological disorders and PNEE Explain elements of treatment for PNEE Modify current practice to incorporate evidence-based treatments...
School Approval Applications
The State Board of Education is still waiting on a small number of schools to complete their annual approval applications. This step is sometimes overlooked—especially with spring break and transitions in administrative staff—but it’s essential for maintaining...
Cell Phone Policies: Benefits, Challenges, and Safety Implications with Joffe Emergency Services
REMINDER: Take the Joffe 2026 School Safety Survey: Take the survey before April 24. Results sent to everyone who completes it. Monday’s free Joffe webinar highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of student cell phone use in schools. While schools implementing...
April’s PSAC Meeting
The Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) brings together private school leaders and departments from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The group serves as an advisory voice on key issues such as instructional hours, teacher...
Clock Hour Provider Applications Due by May 1
Schools that want to offer clock hours must apply to the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for approval. The 2026-27 deadline for completed applications is May 1, 2026. Providers approved by PESB will be able to offer clock hours from Oct 1, 2026, through...