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Explorer Newsletter 10/20/2025

Posted Date: 10/20/25 (4:00 PM)

Explorer Eagle

Explorer Middle School

Family Newsletter

October 20, 2025
EX school picture
 

Dates to Remember

  • Oct 21st - McTeacher Night, 4-7pm at the Everett Mall Way location across from Target. Explorer will earn 20% of the food sales and 100% of cookie sales. Come say hi and support Explorer Middle School!
  • Oct 27th-31st - Spirit Week
Monday - Sports Day - wear jerseys and sport-y-things
Tuesday - Toddler Throwback Day - return to elementary and wear all the stuff you wore when you were a kid in kindergarden
Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday - silly hair, mismatched socks, polka-dots, checks and stripes
Thursday - Fly Your Heritage Flag Day - wear the colors of your national flag to show your heritage
Friday - Costume Day - as per usual, no full-face masks, no weapons, no gore and all makeup/face paint must be applied at home
  • Oct 28th - ML Newcomer Parent Night, 5:30-7pm
  • Oct 29th - Picture Retakes
  • Oct 29th - Orchestra & Choir Concert @ 7pm
  • Oct 31st - Snow Cones for sale all 3 lunches, $1 or ASB Treat Card
 
election

General Election Day

November 4, 2025 is General Election Day.
Confirm or update your voter registration information today at VoteWA.gov. If you are registered to vote, your ballot is mailed automatically and there's no need to request one. 
October 17: Ballots are mailed out by county election offices no later than 18 days prior to Election Day.
October 27 is the deadline to register to vote or update your address online. You may also register and vote in person at a county voting center through Election Day. 
 
donors

Donors Choose

Donors Choose empowers public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials for their students. Several of our teachers have Donors Choose projects that could use your help by donating and spreading the word. Please consider giving to Explorer Middle School. Take a look at the links below and feel free to share with family and friends.




 

Explorer Middle School Celebration

The Mukilteo School District celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Explorer Middle School replacement project with an open house on Tuesday, October 7 at 5 p.m. in the Explorer Middle School gymnasium in Everett. Following a brief program, self-guided tours of the new physical education building were available.
 
“These projects are a direct result of our community’s continued support of local schools,” said Shelly Henderson, Director of Capital Projects for the Mukilteo School District. “It represents our shared investment in student success, healthier learning environments, and stronger connections between schools and community.”
 
Explorer Middle School was originally built in the 1970s. Henderson says the recent improvements breathe new life into the decades-old physical education areas, track and fields, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of today’s students, families, and community.  
 
“In addition to learning spaces, the project includes accessible walkways and essential utility enhancements - all contributing to a more welcoming and modernized campus,” she adds.
 
The district says they also prioritized sustainability and cost savings throughout construction.
 
“Ninety percent of building demolition waste was recycled, and some construction waste was creatively repurposed into a goat playground in a neighboring city,” said Henderson. “All new learning and activity spaces now include ample natural daylight and outdoor views, helping to create an energizing environment for students while reducing long-term energy costs.”
 
Henderson says that Phase 1 was made possible by the 2020 Capital Bond, which continues to support local jobs and modernize school facilities throughout the district.
 
Voters will have the opportunity to consider funding Phase 2 of the Explorer Middle School project in the upcoming election in February, which would continue the work of improving educational spaces and expanding community access across the campus.

About Phase 1
At the heart of the completed Phase 1 are a full-size gymnasium, auxiliary gym, modern fitness room, and dedicated support spaces. These improvements enhance physical education, strengthen athletic programming, and offer flexible indoor space for both school activities and community events.
 
The school’s football field and track have been rebuilt with a synthetic turf field and a rubberized track. These durable new surfaces offer safer conditions and are now playable year-round, benefiting both student-athletes and local sports programs.
 
Supporting infrastructure includes upgraded walkways, new landscaping, and an underground stormwater system that prevents field flooding and ensures consistent use in all weather.
 
While designed to meet the needs of students, the new facilities also create meaningful opportunities for community use, including after-school programming, youth sports leagues, and wellness initiatives. The project reflects a strong investment in sha
gym1
gym2
gym3
 

After School Clubs

clubs
 
Final forms

Sports Information

To participate in sports you must have:
  • Final Forms account (link below or QR code)
  • Parent permission signed on Final Forms
  • Student permissions on Final Forms
  • ASB ($15)
  • Physical on-file
(If you need help with this, please check in with Mrs. Strickler, our athletic director)


Here’s the link to the sports calendar:

Season 1 Sports
Cross Country
Coaches - Josh Olson & Rod Mitchell
First practice date: Sept. 8
Practice time: 3-4pm
All grades practice, only 7th and 8th grade compete

Football
Coaches - Kierre Nicholson & Michael Lewin
First practice date: Sept. 8
Practice time: 3-5pm
Only 7th and 8th grade practice and compete
 
Softball
Coaches - Nicole Kellar & TBD
First practice date: Sept. 8
Practice time: 3-5pm, softball has joined with Voyager and will be traveling to Mariner HS each day for practices. Coach Kellar will transport in a van.
Only 7th and 8th grade practice and compete

Season 2 Sports Tryouts:

Volleyball 2025-2026 Season
Pre-Season meeting
  • Room 246 (Mrs. Strickler's room)
  • Eagle's Landing, October 22nd
  • Any 7th or 8th grade girl who is considering trying out for volleyball
  • Talk to coach Christensen and coach Hekler
  • Learn about the requirements you need to complete for tryouts
  • Ask questions you may have
  • Get help with FinalForms, ASB cards, or getting physicals done
  • Talk to coach Hekler or Coach Christensen about signing up for the meeting
  • Send coach Hekler or coach Christensen a Schoology message
Girls Soccer:
  • Season starts November 3rd! Ends winter break
  • Practice daily after school: games will be Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Get your Final Forms done, see Mrs. Strickler or Mr. Hekler for help
  • Coached by Mrs. Jauregui
  • Preseason meeting Thursday 10/29 EL
  • Message on Schoology to sign up
Boys Soccer:
  • Season Starts November 3rd! Ends before winter break
  • Practices daily after school: games will be Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Get your Final Forms done, see Mrs. Strickler or Mr. Hekler for help
  • Coached by Mr. Maxfield
 
SSA

Information from Mrs. Leader, Student Support Advocate

Holiday Help
Toys 4 Tots is now accepting applications for their holiday gift program. You can apply online here: https://everett-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx

School Clothes
If your family could use help with school clothes for the school year, Clothes For Kids is an option for qualifying families. You can find out more information and make appointments at https://clothesforkids.org/family-clients/

College Bound Scholarship
Did you know that your 7th and 8th graders can qualify for college scholarships now in middle school?  College Bound is a Washington State scholarship program for students who qualify individually for free and reduced lunch.  Find out more at https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound or ask your school counselor.

Food
Could you use some extra support with food right now?  There is a great website www.foodfinder.us where you can put in your zip code and see the food banks close to you.  We also have a handout in the school office with food banks close to school.

Housing Justice Program
Snohomish County Legal Services provides a wide range of services if you are facing an eviction, you can call 425-258-9283 ext 0 to make an appointment or visit their walk-up clinic at the Snohomish County Superior Court  9-11am Tuesdays through Fridays.  You can also apply online at https://snocolegal.org/legal-help/#hjp

If you have any questions or need help with any of these programs, please call Shannon Leader at 425-366-5024 or text 425-4757.


 

Activity Bus Information from Transportation

This year, our secondary schools will only have 1 activity bus each. The route has been adjusted to reflect stops in the entire Kamiak service area. Students may have to walk much father than in previous years, or have parents meet them at the stops. All students will need a bus pass signed by a staff member or they will be turned away.
These are the only stops that the driver will make.
EXPLORER - Bus leaves EXPLORER at 4:05pm (drop off times vary depending on ridership)
**SUMMIT STUDENTS WILL BE DROPPED AT HOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS**
4:10 PM - HORIZON ELEMENTARY
4:18 PM - HOLLY DR @ ROSEWOOD AVE
4:20 PM - FAIRMOUNT ELEMENTARY
4:25 PM - OLIVIA PARK ELEMENTARY
4:29 PM - 3RD AVE SE @ 98TH PL SE (TARGET)
4:42 PM - OLYMPIC VIEW MS
4:49 PM - HARBOUR POINTE MS
4:53 PM - HP BLVD @ ENDEAVOUR ELEMENTARY
4:58 PM - SERENE LAKE ELEMENTARY
5:01 PM - PICNIC POINT ELEMENTARY
5:11 PM - LAKE STICKNEY ELEMENTARY
5:16 PM - ODYSSEY ELEMENTARY
 
Explorer

Eagle Feather Store

The Eagle Feather Store opened this week. Students are able to purchase snacks with eagle feathers that they have earned by following Explorer's core values, Safe, Respectful, Responsible and Compassionate. The link to the Eagle Feather Store Order Form is posted in teacher's Schoology page for students to access. The order form is open until 3pm on Wednesdays, then Admin hands out the orders at each grade level lunch on Fridays.
 
ParentSquare

ParentSquare

Is our school & district communication system. You will receive communication to the same phone number and email through ParentSquare that is listed in Qmlativ.  You may communicate with teachers through Schoology and Qmlativ, but ParentSquare is the preferred and easiest form of communication. Although you will receive messages through ParentSquare automatically. You have the option of creating a ParentSquare account.
For even better access, you can download the ParentSquare App and have easy access right on your phone. 
Activate your account through the web portal. Then, download the FREE ParentSquare app for iOS or Android by scanning the QR code below to get the full benefit of ParentSquare.
 

Explorer Bell Schedule & Attendance

Attendance is very important in middle school. Please call the school anytime your child is not in school or will be late. If you need to pick up your child early, please call ahead. Keep in mind that if it is passing time, lunch time, or your child is in PE, it may take some time to get them to you. Calling ahead or sending a note will help. When you arrive to school to pick up your child you will be asked to show photo ID. Attendance 425-366-5000.
8th graders will go to their 4th period class, have lunch, then return to their 4th period.
6th grade will have lunch after 4th period
7th graders have lunch after 3rd period.
A school schedule outlines class periods and lunch times for Monday through Thursday.
A school schedule for Friday, listing periods, lunch, and class times.

What is Eagles Landing

We have set aside 28 minutes every Monday through Thursday to give students time for school work. During this time, students may get extra help from any of their teachers. Students must be signed up to leave their 1st period to see another teacher for Eagles' Landing. A teacher may sign them up or students may request it. If a student is not signed up to go to another class, they will remain in 1st period and do school work, get organized or read. This is also a great time for students working on projects together to get together. We make any school announcements during this time. If your child needs help, remind them to ask their teacher to sign them up for Eagles Landing.

 

Important School Information

Our office hours are 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at
(425) 366-5000

SCHOOL HOURS:
8:05 am - 2:45 pm Monday - Thursday
8:05 am - 1:30 pm on Fridays

LAPTOPS:
Please remind your students to bring their laptop to school each day fully charged and ready to use. Insert and unplug cables, charging cords, headphones…CAREFULLY! Leave the district barcode label on your laptop. Label your charger (labels will be given to your EL teacher). Keep food and drinks away from your laptop. Keep your laptop dry! Protect it from rain, snow and liquid.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS:
We have a variety of clubs available after school. An activity bus will be available and leaves school at 4:00 pm. Students will learn about clubs in morning announcements, Schoology and on our Club Board across from the student office.
Boys & Girls Club has an after school program at Explorer and began September 8th from 3pm - 6pm. Forms are available in our office.

ACTIVITY BUS:
Is available for students who normally ride a bus home from school. The activity bus leaves Explorer at 4 pm Mondays thru Thursdays. No Activity bus on Fridays. Students will give their address to the bus driver as they get on the bus. Students must have a pass from a staff member to be allowed on the bus.
 
Volunteer flyer

IMPORTANT LINKS

EXPLORER HOMEPAGE
EX SPORTS SCHEDULE
FINAL FORMS FOR SPORTS
EX ONLINE PAYMENTS
FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION
2025-26 SCHOOL CALENDAR
MUKILTEO SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOLUNTEER ONLINE APPLICATION
 
Lighthouse
Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Robert Gallagher (425-356-1300), gallagherrm@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Becca Anderson (425-356-1277), andersonra@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.