Superintendent Update - January 2026

Dear UPSD Parents/Guardians: 

Happy New Year!  In my first 2026 update I want to wish you and your family the very best in the coming year and thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr - whose birthday we celebrated on Monday - I encourage you to take action on behalf of our community in the coming days. Here are four suggestions on what you can do:

Action #1 -  Please VOTE!!
Ballots for the February 10th special election are in homes today or tomorrow.  This election is all about UP schools and it is important that parents participate in the election and make their voices heard. If you need more information about the three school measures on this ballot, click here.

I also encourage you to involve your student in the voting process by asking them to help you complete and return your ballot.  This is great modeling and teaching for our future citizens!

If you are not yet a registered voter, it's not too late. You can register online until February 2nd and in-person until election day.  Click here for more information.

Action #2 -  Donate blood if you can to help save lives and keep others healthy.
The Washington State Department of Health has issued a "code red" to indicate that the blood supply is dangerously low.  If you are able to donate blood, click here for more information on where, when and how you can donate.

Action #3 - Join us in Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
January 2026 marks the first month of the semiquincentennial of our United States of America.  UPSD will be joining community partners to celebrate our country's 250th year in a variety of ways.  For information on how you can celebrate with your family, click here. 

Action #4 - Cheer on the Seahawks!!
No explanation needed.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that there is no school for students on Monday, January 26th.  We look forward to seeing students again for the start of the second semester on Tuesday, the 27th.

Thank you for reading this update.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions about the special election, UPSD ballot measures or any other district-related topics. 

Best regards,

Jeff Chamberlin
Superintendent