Highline Public Schools announced Tuesday that all schools will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, after three consecutive days of closures due to a technology breach.

The district said that all schools will be open Thursday for students from grades K-12.

The investigation into the technology breach is still ongoing.

“We want to be clear, this incident involved our digital network, and not the physical safety of our facilities,” the district said. “Student safety measures remain in place. We will provide updates related to the incident as they become available.”

Internet access in schools will not be available when students return to school.

“We are working on identifying a plan for Highline Virtual Academy and the Highline Virtual Elementary program, whose educational programming relies on virtual learning,” the district said.

Athletics will also resume on Thursday, Sept. 12. School clubs and activities will resume on a case-by-case basis, determined by school leaders. 

“We’re working with our before- and after-school providers—please look for communication from your provider about programming,” the district said.

Here’s more from the district:

Family & Staff Information for Re-opening

We have taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner.

• Grades K-12: All schools will be open on Thursday, September 12 for students for grades K-12.

• Preschool: The first day of school for preschool students will be Monday, September 16.

• No School: As shared previously, schools are closed on Wednesday, September 11.

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES INFORMATION

Athletics will resume on September 12. School clubs and activities will resume on a case-by-case basis, determined by school leaders. We’re working with our before- and after-school providers—please look for communication from your provider about programming.  

INTERNET ACCESS

Schools will look different when we return. Internet access in our schools will not be available when we return to school. We are working on identifying a plan for Highline Virtual Academy and the Highline Virtual Elementary program, whose educational programming relies on virtual learning. 

INCIDENT UPDATE

The investigation is still ongoing. We want to be clear, this incident involved our digital network, and not the physical safety of our facilities. Student safety measures remain in place. We will provide updates related to the incident as they become available.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

We know you may have questions. We are working on a list of frequently asked questions and answers to post on our website. We will share a link with the community on Wednesday, September 11.

STAFF INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 11 & MORE

To prepare for the re-opening, certificated staff have the option to work for two hours on an extra service contract on Wednesday, September 11 to plan for revised instruction. Please communicate to your supervisor if you plan to work. PCT time on Friday will be dedicated to team planning.

School and department administrators will follow up with school-specific and department-specific information, including instructional guidance, regarding the reopening. If you cannot access this information via email, call your school or department after 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

We are asking staff to continue not using their district-issued computer and laptop until further notice.

THANK YOU!

We know the school closures this week have been difficult for students, families, staff and our district as a whole. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. 

We are excited to welcome all students and staff back to school on Thursday.