August is a magical month. This time of year I find that summer has worked its way into me and we still have a few weeks remaining in which to savor her good gifts. Here in the Pacific Northwest, these gifts can be found in the golden light of sunsets extending for long lingering hours; the burgeoning of cherry tomatoes or summer squash in our gardens and on our balconies; or the sun-ripened blackberries that fill every nook and cranny of our neighborhoods.

And even as we savor these remaining summer moments, anticipation has been growing for the season that is to come. The staff and faculty at The Seattle School are deep in the work of preparing for the coming school year, planning events to welcome and orient new and returning students into our learning community!

The Matriculation Team is here to support our incoming students as you prepare to begin school this fall.

I am Becca Shirley, Manager of Student Life Programs, she/her (rshirley@theseattleschool.edu). You will hear from me about details related to New Student Orientation and (Re)Orientation as well as community-wide gatherings during our fall Community Weekend and other student life events throughout the year. I work with our student leadership teams to cultivate pathways of connection for students and your families. I am available for one-to-one conversation when students have questions or concerns. I also manage the Nourish Market campus store and am in the store on a regular basis to be available whenever you want to chat.

Daniel Tidwell-Davis, Manager of Accessibility and Vocational Programs, he/they (dtidwell@theseattleschool.edu)

Daniel works one-to-one with students around vocational discernment, accessibility, and academic accommodations. If you have an academic accommodation related to a learning or physical disability and have not yet talked to Daniel, make sure to email him to set up a time soon! Daniel also works with our underrepresented student groups to provide resources, support, and connections for our underrepresented students (BIPOC students, LGBTQIA+ students, Students with Disabilities, non-Christian students, International students, etc.).

Ligaya Avila, Academic Programs and Financial Services Manager, she/her (lavila@theseattleschool.edu)

Ligaya is the primary point of contact for Financial Aid for all students (low-residency and on-campus). Ligaya is also the Residency Coordinator for low-residency students. If you’re enrolled in a low-residency program, you will receive emails from Ligaya ahead of each residency with information to help you plan logistics for your travel, schedule, and lodging.

Kelsey Wallace, Registrar, she/her (kwallace@theseattleschool.edu)

Many of you have likely been in touch with Kelsey as you have enrolled and begun registering for classes. Email Kelsey for academic advising or if you have questions related to forms, academic policies, course planning, school/life balance, and more. Please click here to sign up for an advising appointment.

Each of us is available to meet with new and returning students by email, phone, or Zoom to address your questions as they arise.

We are so glad you are here! And we look forward to seeing you soon!