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Category Archive

Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Inspire”

Who We Are

By Bart Gummere, Associate Head of School In the 2025-25 school year, Eastside Preparatory School will welcome Hye-Won Dandino as ...

Fall 2025

Who We Are

By Sam Uzwack, Head of School If you've ever worked in a school, you know the work is never just ...

Fall 2025

Who We Are

By Bart Gummere, Associate Head of School for College Counseling and Alumni Engagement The theme of this edition of Inspire ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Dr. Elena Olsen, Inspire Contributor Students at Eastside Prep often talk about the relationships they form with each other ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

A. Sophia (’30) is a five-time qualifier for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field and Cross Country competitions; ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Dr. Elena Olsen, Inspire Contributor Since its founding, Eastside Preparatory School has had a strong sense of its identity ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Katie Meredith, Assistant to Institutional Advancement What do salmon fry, blackberry vines, and a stream running through an office ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Paul Hagen, Director of Student Well-Being Since Eastside Prep’s founding, we have embraced the belief that education extends far ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Jazlynn Quinn and Ansuya Somashekar, Both Class of 2025 Voices in Action Day was a daylong event inspired by ...

Spring 2025

Who We Are

By Lisa Frystak, Fine and Performing Arts Faculty Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and now reimagine yourself not ...

Spring 2025

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Eastside Preparatory School
10613 NE 38th Place, Kirkland, WA 98033
Main Phone Line: (425) 822-5668
Main Fax Line: (425) 822-5648

Admissions: admissions@eastsideprep.org or ext. 2
Middle School: rpeterson@eastsideprep.org or ext. 124
Upper School: lswenson@eastsideprep.org or ext. 120
Business Office: billing@eastsideprep.org or ext. 325

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An independent college prep school serving
middle school and high school grades
in the greater Seattle area.

After School Teams Begin
Afterschool clubs, Academic Teams, and Middle School sports will begin the week of September 7

Clubs Begin
Clubs that meet within the school day will begin the week of September 7. Club options change each trimester and examples of past clubs are listed on the ‘Current Families’ website. Middle School students are required to pick a club or activity each trimester, though no registration is required. Upper School students can join a club or use the time to meet with teachers or peers. Contact Director of Student Well-Being Paul Hagen with questions

First Day of School
The first day of school is Wednesday, September 2. Please plan to drop students off early that day so they can join our Convocation ceremony.

Fall Orientations
Fall Orientations are scheduled for September 3 and 4. Details about the specific experiences will be communicated in August from the Director of Student Well-Being, Paul Hagen.

Fall Orientations provide a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with one another as they kick off the school year together. Each grade will participate in a series of orientation activities and will work with their advisors and teachers to set the tone for the year. Students have time to really get to know each other as they participate in teambuilding activities and challenges designed to unite them as a group and set them up for success during the school year.

Students in grades 6, 9, and 12 will participate in overnight experiences while all other students will engage in two days of orientation activities.

Questions? Contact Director of Student Well-Being, Paul Hagen

Bus Service Begins
EPS Bus Service (for those who have signed up) will run as noted below during the first week of school. Details will be communicated in the Opening Weeks Schedule in August.

Regular service on the first day of school, Wednesday, September 2

Morning service on Thursday, September 3

No service on Thursday afternoon, September 3 or on Friday, September 4 due to Fall Orientations.

Regular daily bus service begins on Monday, September 7. Bus Service forms for first trimester are due by August 1. If you decide you want the service after this date, please email to see if space is available.

Families can opt into bus service by trimester and elect one way or round trip. Questions? Contact transportation@eastsideprep.org

Middle School Play Auditions
Auditions take place after school from 3:30-5:30 on Sept 9, 10, and 11. Students should attend the first two days of auditions, and some students will be “called back” and attend auditions on Friday as well. Being “called back” or not doesn’t indicate a likelihood of receiving a role; it means that the director needs more information. No prior experience is required, and students do not need to prepare anything. Sign-ups to help with backstage technical crew will happen later in the term.

Rehearsals are typically 3:30-5:30pm Monday through Thursday. Time commitment varies depending on roles. Performances are November 5, 6, and 7.

Contact Ginger Ellingson, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, with any questions.

Fall Harvest – September 25
This parent/guardian-only evening social event is a great way to connect with other parents and faculty/staff. No auction, no fundraising, just fun. Please save the date and more details and an invitation will be sent out in September.

Head’s Table
All parents/guardians are invited to attend these small group breakfast and lunch gatherings hosted by Sam Uzwack, our Head of School. Parents will learn more about how the school operates (including our fundraising efforts) and have an opportunity to ask questions. Meetings are held by grade level to help parents/guardians connect with others in the same grade. Head’s Table gatherings will be held in September to October.

Bus service Begins
EPS bus service (for those who have signed up) will run as noted below during the first week of school. Details will be communicated in the Opening Weeks Schedule in August.

Regular service on the first day of School, Wednesday, September 3
Morning Service only on Thursday, September 4
No service on Friday, September 5 due to Fall Orientations
Regular daily bus service begins on September 8. Bus Service forms for the first trimester are due August 1. After that date, email to see if space is available.
Families can opt into bus service by trimester and elect one way or round trip.
Questions? Contact transportation@eastsideprep.org.

Sign up for Advisor-Parent-Student Conference
Student-Parent-Advisor conferences will be held on August 27 and 28. Conferences last 30 minutes and are an opportunity for parents to meet their student’s advisor, discuss goals for the year, and answer any final questions about the start of school. An online sign-up link will be in the August Division Head email.

Attend a Grade-Level Picnic
During the week of August 24, every grade level will have an event for families to connect/reconnect and meet everyone in their grade. These picnics are organized by the Parent Association Grade Level Representative for each grade (a parent volunteer position). Details about these events will be provided over the summer from the Grade Level Rep via email. Three grade level picnics will be held on campus:
Fifth Grade: August 24 (5-6:30pm), 6th Grade: August 26 (5-6:30pm), 9th Grade Orientation & Picnic: August 25 (6-7:30pm).

Attend a Laptop Orientation
Multiple sessions will be offered during conference days on August 27 and 28 for students in 7^th, 8^th, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grades. Laptop orientations will be offered to 5^th graders during Fall Orientations and to 6^th and 9^th graders during New Eagle Day. Any student not able to attend their scheduled session should email tech@eastsideprep.org after August 15 to set up a separate time.

EPS Weekly Emails Begin
EPS Weekly emails will be sent to all families beginning August 28. These emails are the primary way EPS communicates important information about the school, upcoming events, opportunities, and deadlines.

Yearbook and Student ID Photo Days
Students should plan to have their yearbook and ID photos taken while on campus for conferences on August 27 (9am-5:30pm) and 28 (8:30am-noon)

First Day of School – Wednesday, September 2

Load your Lunch Account
Families who wish for their student(s) to be able to purchase snacks or meals in the LPC need to have a Meal Magic Account. Information on how to create an account can be found HERE. (Password is Eagles 2025!).
Questions? Email Lisa Coulter, Dining Services Manager.

Upper School Fall Sports Practices Begin
Practices begin the week of August 24.
Questions? Contact Kim Eng, Athletic Director

Purchase Books and Supplies
Final course lists and ordering details will be communicated in the August Division email. An online bookstore with open will free shipping period August 10-23. Dates will be confirmed in the August Division Head email. Middle School Supply List will be communicated in the August Division email as well.
Questions about books? Email bookstore@eastsideprep.org.

Finish Summer reading – Due August 30
Summer reading books will be discussed the first week of regular classes.

Drop Off Emergency or Prescription Medications (as needed) – August 15
Families are invited to drop off emergency medications (EpiPens, inhalers, etc) at the front desk of the TALI building. Medications should be securely bagged with student name clearly marked. Medications provided to the school may not expire during the current school year.

If you would like to discuss your student’s allergy/ medical condition in more detail, please feel free to reach out to Krista Kelly, Student Health Coordinator and School Nurse, to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting.

Students who are not authorized to self-carry medications will not be able to attend school until emergency medications are dropped off.
Questions? Contact School Nurse Krista Kelly.

Sign Up for Advisor-Parent-Student Conference
Student-Parent conferences will be held on August 27 and 28. Conferences last 30 minutes and are an opportunity for parents to meet their student’s advisor, discuss goals for the year, and answer any final questions about the start of school.

Student Schedules
Student schedules will be emailed from the Division Heads in their August email. Please note that all required forms must be completed and submitted before schedules will be available.
Questions? Contact Randi Peterson (Middle School) or Leah Swenson (Upper School).

Become familiar with Opening Weeks Schedule
Know the drop-off and pick-up route. Pay close attention to the differences in the bus route schedule and lunch options as they may be modified for the first week.
Questions? Randi Peterson (Middle School) or Leah Swenson (Upper School).

Purchase EPS Logowear and PE Clothes
Students in PE classes will need to change clothing for class; wearing any EPS shirt plus athletic shorts or pants and athletic shoes. For students taking PE in the fall, EPS-approved PE clothing can be purchased in two places:

PE Shirts – These $19 t-shirts are available on campus (so you receive them quicky) and available in youth and adult sizes, small-XL. To order, please fill out this form: https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/eastsideprep/shirt. Also please note that the t-shirt you received in your admissions box can be used as a PE shirt.

Or Online – from the online store which can be accessed through the EPS Logowear tab on our ‘Current Families’ webpage (password: Eagles2025!).Most items are highly customizable (you will see an “Other Designs Available” button on the product page for a list of all the customizations).

Complete Health Profile in Genius Education (GE). Submit Physical Exam Form (as needed), Medication Authorization (prescription and over the counter) Form (as needed), Action Plans (as needed), and Immunization documentation – Due August 1

Students may not attend classes until all required forms are completed.

The red dot by the Medical Tab under Forms/Contracts will remain until all required forms are complete. (Remember to hit “submit” with each page as forms are completed.)

All required forms must be submitted prior to August 1 in order to receive student schedules and book lists

Questions or concerns? Contact School Nurse Krista Kelly.

Submit Bus Service Form (if applicable)
If you are interested in bus service offered by EPS, details and a link to the registration form can be found on our website HERE (password Eagles 2025!) Bus routes remains in the planning phase (with details communicated once they are finalized) as family interest is determined. Route details will be communicated to families once finalized.

Purchase Summer Reading Books
Summer reading book titles will be communicated by the Division Heads in their June email. Questions? Contact John Stegeman (Upper School Head) or Sarah Peeden (Middle School Head).

Sign up for Athletics and Academic Teams
A link to the registration for fall sports can be found on the ‘Current Families’ section of the website: http://www.eastsideprep.org/current-families/athletics/ (password: Eagles2025!) or at this LINK. In order to ensure that we have accurate numbers to plan for coaches, uniforms, game scheduling, and equipment, the deadline to register for fall sports is June 19.

Upper School Fall Athletics
Official practices for Upper School fall athletics begin daily on Monday, August 24 and students are expected to attend those practices. Per WIAA rules, all high school athletes must participate in seven practices prior to competing therefore students who miss early practices will not be able to compete in the first few contests. Fall sports include Boys Golf, Boys Tennis, Boys Ultimate, Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Cross Country and Co-ed Rowing. There will be optional summer practices for some teams (volleyball, Ultimate, basketball). Information pertaining to summer practices will be communicated by the Athletics Office after sign-ups are complete.

Middle School Fall Athletics
Official practices for Middle School fall athletics begin the first week of school. Most 5/6th sports take place during the school day, while 7/8th practices take place 2-3 days a week after school. Fall sports include Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Co-ed Cross Country and Co-ed Rowing (8-12th grades only).

Upper School Robotics
Practices are scheduled to start the week of August 24.

Questions? Athletics: Kim Eng, Athletic Director (425-822-5668 x559). Robotics: Jonathan Briggs , Robotics Coach. Clubs: Paul Hagen, Director of Student Well-Being (425-822-5668 X556)

While medical forms are not due until August 1, families are strongly encouraged to schedule any needed doctor’s appointments for physical exams and/or immunizations soon as summer appointments fill quickly. ALL students must have their medical questionnaire and health profile completed by August 1. This is done through GE and is valid for one school year.

Physical exams: All students participating in sports (including Middle School sports that practice during the school day) need a valid physical. Physicals are valid for two years from the date of the exam listed on the form. Physical exams are due before the first practice, and the athlete will be ineligible without a current exam form uploaded in GE.

Applicable action plans (for asthma, allergies, seizures, diabetes, or other life-threatening conditions) must be completed and uploaded in GE by August 1. Students will be unable to attend school without the required action plan. Action plans are valid for one school year.

Families should also consider having their medical provider fill out a Medication Authorization Form. This form is required by Washington State law if students need access to any over-the-counter or prescription medications at school or on field trips. Medication Authorizations are valid for one school year.

Incoming 7^th graders are required to have a DTAP booster prior to starting school. Please contact your pediatrician to verify that your student is up to date. The booster needs to have been given after the age of 10.

All required forms must be submitted prior to August 1 in order to receive student schedules and book lists. Contact School Nurse Krista Kelly with any questions.

Complete Placement Exams (as applicable)

Middle School
Complete math, Spanish, and Instrumental Music assessments (if applicable or necessary).

Upper School
Students will complete math placement exams when they request a course that does not align directly with previous coursework.
Students entering Spanish 2 or higher will complete a written and oral placement process.
For students wishing to join Chamber Music Ensemble or Chamber Choir, please complete this form and someone from the Fine & Performing Arts will be in touch with you prior to the start of the academic year.

Questions? Contact Middle School Head Sarah Peeden or Upper School Head John Stegeman.

Tablet PC Form – Due June 1
All EPS students are required to have a laptop. It is highly recommended that families purchase their laptop through the school. In doing so, the machine is fully compatible with all EPS systems and processes, students are learning on the same model as all of their peers and teachers, and the machine is fully supported by the school’s tech office.

If you are considering a different laptop, please contact tech@eastsideprep.org prior to purchase to ensure it will work well with the school’s systems. Order form and laptop specs can be found with other registration forms on the Genius Education Parent/Guardian Portal (under the Additional Fees tab).

Questions? Contact Jonathan Briggs, Director of Strategy, Technology and Innovation.

Enrollment Forms – Due June 1

Check the Genius Education Parent/Guardian Portal to confirm that all forms needed by June 1 have been submitted. Once every required form in the section (Registration or Medical) has been completed, the red dot next to the tab will disappear. (Remember to hit “submit” with each page as you complete forms.)

TADS Billing Account
EPS uses TADS for tuition and auxiliary billing. The EPS Business Office previously emailed families with information about creating an account to make the enrollment deposit for the upcoming school year. The first tuition payment is due June 1 each year.
Questions? Contact the Business Office via email or at 425-822-5668 x328.