Registration is open for the High School & Beyond Community of Practice: On the Frontier of Education in-person convening on Thursday, May 28, at Mount Vernon Library Commons. Designed with a Wild West theme, this gathering offers a meaningful space dedicated to digging deeper into the work that matters most—helping students successfully navigate their High School & Beyond Plans and prepare for life after graduation on the open range.

Designed for school teams including counselors, administrators, and community partners – and all educators who are passionate about supporting students on their college and career pathways. This full-day event, a $200 value, is offered at no cost to participants and includes the option to purchase 6.5 optional clock hours.

Throughout the day, you’ll:

  • Hear updates regarding SchooLinks implementation from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction team (OSPI)
  • Offer your feedback about graduation requirements FutureReady listening session with the State Board of Education (SBE)
  • Explore Follow Your Student (FOYOST), a tool with Washington School Information Processing Cooperative (WSIPC)
  • Learn how to build confidence in students with the Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA)
  • Dive into CTE Dual Credit innovations including the new Regional Dual Credit Database and the Career & Technical Education Regional Dual Credit Guidebook for High School Educators
  • Discover how regional partnerships with higher education are aligning learning, curriculum, and outcomes with partners from Bellingham Technical College, Everett Community College, Skagit Valley College, and Whatcom Community College

Most importantly, you’ll collaborate with fellow educators and community partners from across the NWESD 189 region and statewide to share strategies, explore equitable practices, and strengthen the systems that support you and our students.

A Day to Connect (and Enjoy!)

This isn’t just about learning—it’s about community. Since 2022, the High School & Beyond Community of Practice, led by Career Connect NW hosted at the Northwest Educational Service District has provided space and resources for educators to support students and their development of their High School & Beyond plans.

We’ll kick off the morning with a light breakfast snack and keep the conversations going with lunch catered by Kelley’s BBQ. Mount Vernon Library Commons, located right off I-5, was selected as the venue, making it easier for educators across Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties to hitch up and attend. Free parking is available onsite with accessible entry via the east-side main entrance.

Important Notes:

  • Registration: Sign up through pdEnroller. An Outlook calendar invite will follow within the week of your registration.
  • Deadline: Registration closes May 14 (2 weeks prior to the event). If your plans change, please cancel by May 14 to help us plan for food and space.
  • Food: Light morning snack (muffins, fruit, coffee) and BBQ lunch (BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, mashed potatoes, garden salad, cookie) provided. Feel free to bring your own meal if needed.
  • Bring: A reusable water bottle to take advantage of the filtered water station.

We are looking forward to this opportunity to connect and leave inspired as we ride off into the sunset with new ideas and tools to support students’ futures.

We hope you can join us!

Sign featuring a horse drawn covered wagon and the phrase "Welcome"
A group talking in a room, slightly out of focus, with a coffee cup and saucer in the foreground
the meeting room at Mount Vernon Library