Celebrating our second anniversary this week with an all-school party!


Plus ways for parents to help us spread the word about our school.
February 8, 2025
Trillium Academy is Celebrating our Founding Day!




Trillium Academy's second anniversary of our founding is February 14! We’re marking this special milestone with outreach to our Central District neighbors, spreading the word about our school through our parent community, and building school spirit with new traditions. 💜💚💛




This Friday during sixth period, students will celebrate with a school-wide “birthday party.” Throughout the day, some students will also help deliver flowers and personal cards to neighbors in the Central District. More details will be shared with students this week.




We also invite you, our parents, to help spread the word about Trillium. Over the course of two days, reach out to 14 people or groups and tell them about our school—in honor of 2/14! Here are a few ideas:
* Pick up postcards at school this week (or [download the PDF](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvIazOunANrUMaruvNkEuEb_ri970Rh6PlxqthVWo5XGvtCWloKZ4Hu8Vr1EQ-6vuO8fqR--QRaxPwMsFhhI0XGGHYo2i7Gtvb1wZfOsbkf61Abii_8921OmyOXY02RMWnQJlyUDPmyAh2862voq_xTMgF8VUCR7viFcsuaYHw9BdfhNxJqkJpmTH0s2yzINRXp9nMWuGTPq40=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)) to share with friends, neighbors, or former classmates
* Write a review on [Yelp](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvIsaLT8kfiX2UEujJJsmuPwrTeqXES2qZP7d9QnqFVS4KKHI2AXWvytLYryTsu178drCWZ82Q40f70JLAivREaR2tS7Ju8Ii_fu90xxrMGY5eg8-_VknD65-G0AenNKduwX1PWnKtsJOB0YaNffy7Nb5PA2WnKGesKyHDsGsgom1pPMCNrU3SdQjgGikZeyDV9Sy0HwrHl4PmQKqO7ZZ5kFMc0pSzGwYUMfUnawfzs4gncPPc_wDR1mGIjX8Kq4ZCP&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) or [Facebook](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHHBW0QFhNPyTP53BmZGT2IqtWv9kwMqA2IdzhgHfCczqaY4KJY0icyHMZeiEWlkVzcmXrYKJHkxN9u2KVMrez4Y2VAhr9qSvR6skWqa-RG70TJ17__x_-LjiuTUA3xwBS&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)
* Post in an employee resource group, on NextDoor, or in neighborhood Facebook groups or message boards
* Display a postcard on a bulletin board at a local coffee shop, community center, gym, or other gathering place




We're giving out Trillium rhizomes to those who participate for you to grow in your garden. Email Evans at [evans.ousley@trilliumacademy.org](mailto:evans.ousley@trilliumacademy.org) to claim your rhizome. Thank you for helping us celebrate—and grow—our community. 🌱
Trillium Family Weekend
Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22




Trillium family volunteers have organized a delightful weekend for us to spend time in community, March 20 through March 22 (with the option to stay through March 23, since there's no school on Monday).




Everyone is encouraged to book a condo through [Airbnb](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvIVX4Hc3wolms9GPqTTI71cvgWbygmncEtgYdo79ngJxGaAlK01_HykNBK2Yr0V6iYeDt9JSAW54ctXxNItm1JJw==&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) at Jacob's Landing at Birch Bay. Search "Jacob's Landing Birch Bay" for rental options (including pet-friendly options!). The complex has an indoor heated pool, game room, and community gathering space, among other amenities. It is also directly across the street from the beach.




This is an unhosted event, so families can choose how to engage in this weekend in a way that best meets their needs. If you aren’t able to join us for the full weekend or can’t stay overnight, the bulk of the activities will happen on Saturday, so we hope you'll come for part of the weekend. We will have a menu of options for people to choose from, including a hike, exploring charming Blaine, group lunch, and s’mores on the beach if the weather cooperates.




For anyone who feels overwhelmed by the process but wants to come, please contact Kristine Highlander at [kennaugh@gmail.com](mailto:kennaugh@gmail.com). She has offered to do her best to be your concierge! Please [RSVP here](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvIRputwYAFl0Sdum1gpyIALhhxZswCkPjZlk9C4Q0BzDzUO3lIQhchVEw9F7p7PrHafqyl9v6RNC3Hd6PIbMJazBPykH10WqvNh4MJERfdi36PawBX9E-cdC5kb2IYVp1XsAXj4s9ADNTjJ5lz3M58sUSqQQPKAUxO5gP-Q7zoCkMJJaT_tgmF66lfWNPBcr31Hxs253Dm5JR_vWjTmeilntYXi5iUphBE&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) so our leaders know who is coming!
Help Build Our Art Library




Many of our students are interested in engaging more deeply in their art education, and we'd like to start building a library for our art program. If you have any art or art history books you'd like to donate, please drop them off at the front desk.
Class Highlights
Middle School Science
Our middle school scientists are exploring ecology through weekly birding visits to Frink Park. Students are observing and collecting data on local chickadees to study how food sources, habitat structures, and abiotic factors support life. Tracing energy through food webs, they're analyzing how resources affect survival and reproduction. Students will also compare native and invasive plantings and use their findings to design and build an evidence-based birdhouse.
High School Biology
Students conducted an agglutination test to identify simulated blood antigens and determine blood types from a mother, child, and two potential fathers. They used Punnett squares to model inheritance patterns and compared results with test data to identify the most likely biological father in a fictional paternity trial.
Students
Upcoming No School Days




There will be no school Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20 for Midwinter Break.
 
Upcoming Field Trips & Events
*Field trips are subject to change as details are confirmed.




Middle & High School
Pacific Science Center, February 12
All students will visit the Pacific Science Center to view both the spider and space exhibits and to watch the Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope documentary in IMAX.




Trillium "Birthday Party," February 13
We're celebrating Trillium's Founding Day with a "birthday party" during 6th period.
Extracurriculars
Sunday Chess Club
March 1, 8, 15, 29




This is an opportunity for students to learn about the game while developing skills and strategies, and connect with their peers. Chess Club is open to students in grades 5-12 from other area schools.




Taught by Dr. Leo Stefurak, Chess Club will meet on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Classes are $35 a session—you can [sign up](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIXwBr-C6ai4RGvvvcKOjAniKazMSXlolXosjuNMDDxEON4kaZPp2EnJSzhdHqFmEW7M3UtY4PtI9tqVd2l7s3TpKf1O7aQdCa0quSBmB-x7cuZapPxw9jUvx4_O4UErfLY_nbwfyZBZuMRDWwit8RtqY=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) for one or a few sessions at a time, or you can sign up for all 8 sessions up front.
Parent Education
Parent Ed Series: Tech and 2e Kids
Wednesday, February 11, 8:15 to 9:15 am in the Parent Gathering Room and [on Zoom](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX08-nakBD639wMSIBr8mwXcUVuoHXN3eh50B2johf2zlF80qTVY1jSC6cCvrvGw0pt4C9aVQ65XUshi2kdokM8oJLBqnMvBS6eTyJEnaMqqvMXDVqLKd-9E=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)




Tech use is a common concern for our parents, and we are offering a new parent education and connection series in partnership with Daniel Oglivie, our part-time counselor who specializes in video gaming addiction. The first few sessions will include presentations on screen compulsion, tech use disorder vs. addiction, and Trillium's approach to mitigating tech issues. Later sessions will evolve based on the group's interests and needs, focused on collaborative discussion.




We understand that mornings can be difficult for some parents, and we chose this time based on Daniel's part-time schedule with Trillium. There will be a remote option available for parents who cannot join in person (or who need to review the meeting notes and slide decks at a later date). If you will utilize this remote option and would like to connect with other parents, email [student.support@trilliumacademy.org](mailto:student.support@trilliumacademy.org), and we will work to connect you.
Sexual Health Curriculum Night for Middle School Parents
Thursday, February 12, 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Zoom




This is an opportunity for middle school families to learn more about the health program and ask questions. The presentation will provide an overview of curriculum goals and key topics by grade level, showing how lessons build progressively over time. Grounded in Trillium’s sexual health philosophy—age-appropriate, medically accurate, inclusive, and respectful—we will explain how the curriculum supports student well-being, safety, and healthy decision-making. The evening will conclude with ample time for parents and caregivers to review materials, ask questions, and better understand how sexual health education is taught in our schools.
Community
Parent Association Meetings
Wednesday, February 11, from 12:00 - 12:30 pm




Our Parent Association meets every other Wednesday at noon for half an hour on Zoom. Agendas will be ready ahead of time, and everyone's invited. The meeting information and meeting link are on the [school's Google calendar](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHXgehMmhvDaJ1CViqvi7c2XnJ-r0vxO2z-BrEO-utYSWh0eFBpE42-xXdG2_OoBcdrsifWpt_pUxIzh53ee7xltzUNWB7V-G2TgV3g4KTnPc=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==).
 
Parents Association Pub Crawl




The pub crawl events are come as you are, buy your own, parent get-togethers. We'll gather in different corners of the Seattle metro area, bringing the Trillium Community to your neighborhood.




Saturday, February 14
3:00 - 5:00 pm
We love you, Trillium ~ Will you be our Valentine? Your PA hosts a special February Parent Pub Crawl! Join Alethea Podmore and Shannon Otto on Valentine's Day at [Harry's Bar in Capitol Hill](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX8BM98AUDJlnDO95xBE62ID2UxV3jLzdAE4GiYXgU1FokIue-hK2o0z6NNNgXCs0FIGYdAlkwQqFFx_A7aclo-7I63U5hcyFiQQ7A4CMXOrW&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==).
Trillium Family Game Gathering
Saturday, March 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at [Third Place Commons](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvITZbYIhrcwNvBSCHOG0TJATDzTVor__TXenTGo1MXbHMwKTaIzgMQifSNRJQ7dboKc06XvYrmtyrgWqv7-wR2g5pCL5f9JfRJrABVq1tVCWk=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==), Lake Forest Park




The Parent Association is hosting a game get-together for students and families in the Stadler Room, Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park, on Saturday, March 14.




Bring your favorite card and board games to share! Everyone is free to browse the bookstore, enjoy snacks from the food court, or just hang around and chat with our fantastic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Parent Resources
School Photos




Click the button below to view photos our teachers have taken in class, break time, and enrichment periods this month!
[January Photos](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX2zWtEt4lA7QyDztYlMzUR6RtYcCdp13NWIQ_vcoTIgDGjSs496pY4Z9PbSxSvRXKk32ass6KDMrUDnHytTM5s6m1jtZfWUrxCax2tmp-4xOdqg0Vd2WzXSBLKeRbgI9ag==&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)
[February Photos](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvIC9OWE3SrJ-SJglO7U72Fd78SuWL1xst0_PImLPM16MuuL3T8Kjj75fT-PTzPdNgW1kzJCys5ErfTjcTqrJ3eC6QAjqKUsEIHOyWKUlnjKP3gk-QbypxsGQ==&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)
## Links & Resources




To view helpful resources like the carpool map, household directory, and Google calendar, navigate to [Toddle](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX36dOgwlY6BHLDfB6mxwRFS8DEXxkc370XrB5PIxpdpb0HxVaWP2po5gS5K2Ro70U1N4092XWYX74YLOTuqyNp-OCEfNNyyZ_f7or6U7bI9C&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==). Once logged in, click "School Policies and Resources" for an archive of documents and links.
### What You Missed on Socials:
It’s World Read Aloud Day! 📖




For many 2e and neurodivergent learners, hearing text activates comprehension, strengthens memory, and reduces the cognitive load of decoding.




Reading aloud engages multiple pathways at once—visual, auditory, and motor—making decoding and comprehension easier for our 2e and neurodivergent learners. It slows things down, supports attention, and helps learning stick because students can focus on connection and understanding instead of just getting through the page.




Different brains deserve different pathways to understanding. Today, we celebrate reading aloud as one powerful way to meet our learners where they are.
[](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHj2XkF_CE6xENbU8AjSCu_GqTqo3uoB2NAKKu_QlDg-7nl_QXleeyXp0ZHYM4rWjYYYGEhSvoEuSgWFka0OUjo9xvmlyA22mB&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) [](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHHBW0QFhNPyTP53BmZGT2IqtWv9kwMqA2IdzhgHfCczqaY4KJY0icyHMZeiEWlkVzcmXrYKJHkxN9u2KVMrez4Y2VAhr9qSvR6skWqa-RG703y8fJd7rk7jQQzhxp49Ag&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) [](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHCGyC4IVDFEakiBB8SSc0HPzh_Pf0pPTzc7vrHxyByBuQ4mHskA5UlMwx_sIoUv3f7NFuakd-9Y8lvJjvFFYdYBq0w87KZWiJeFgHZatu95VyNgCAdIAQE0VVyCPVyMlu&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==) [](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX52CRVdti-jHsz1ZJuDIG6ba7WAWdlnF4rMqi10U5Zvbf28fc-HiSgBXXFM5R8EoRdErKjwK659A0hoCIzfrREWqHq7Ik-XaZpIXRcCDWtlDhbXnS2vcdadY2T1sbW6nMeycE7TSuf8OTO1MwoY1MG4=&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)
2706 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144
[View as Webpage](https://ysm8sxhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018omV6kiXk9wWyLTZ1bWJHQBDZ7tJZ2sMiMN9Nt6vLeMq7CvI0xJIX53So4qRfGvII6b2smh7bDA1Z7PGDx36L7MjtWhCUvdj-9UThGrrL94Sxhuciz35Z6PZ7bFcHAIOVCuaxonwIhHpDUO_ubILYA==&c=BqMWUngTxbmkfZPpYoZyCI10kMyQ3AgsJGszW8sS6t-v0jz9_yZOng==&ch=WS3eMlA4XD1LWS9kCXA_vBpapWIEeMN9emRXDavm_M9plek2paTfRQ==)
Trillium Academy | 2706 S Jackson Street | Seattle, WA 98144 US
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