Welcome to Our New Partner Schools!

As we gear up for another incredible year of connection, compassion, and cross-cultural learning, Sister Schools is thrilled to welcome three new partner schools from the Puget Sound region to our growing family. Through these vibrant school communities, 1,350 new students will join our mission—gaining opportunities to grow in empathy, global awareness, and the belief that they can make a difference. 

Meet our newest partners: 

Cathcart Elementary 

Snohomish School District | Grades K–6 | 430 students 

We’re excited to welcome Cathcart Elementary as one of our newest partner schools! Led by Principal Shawn Ryan, who is also stepping into the role of Sister Schools Coordinator, Cathcart is a place where connection and compassion are already deeply valued. 

Fun fact: Lew Dickert, a longtime Sister Schools Board Member, also serves on Cathcart’s school board—making this partnership feel especially meant to be. With a dedicated team of educators and a strong commitment to student growth, we know this will be a meaningful year for the Cathcart community. 

Jing Mei 

Bellevue School District | Grades K–5 | 475+ students 

Next, we're honored to welcome Jing Mei Elementary, a dual-language Mandarin-English immersion school that embodies the spirit of multicultural education. Jing Mei offers a unique 90/10 two-way bilingual learning model, making it the only school in the Seattle area with this opportunity for every student. 

Principal Dongmei Tan shares our excitement about empowering her students to engage with global issues and practice generosity in real, tangible ways. With a school culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, Jing Mei is a perfect fit for the Sister Schools mission. 

Bennett Elementary 

Bellevue School District | Grades K–5 | 435 students 

Also joining us from the Bellevue School District is Bennett Elementary. This partnership is especially close to our hearts, thanks to Scott Mills, a Special Education Teacher and this year’s Sister Schools Coordinator. Scott participated in Sister Schools as a student and even served on our Board of Directors. Now, he’s come full circle—bringing the experience to his own students. 

We’re inspired by Scott’s story and thrilled to begin this new chapter with the Bennett community. 

---

With these three new partner schools joining our existing network, we’re poised for one of our most impactful years yet. We can’t wait to watch students across the region—and across the world—learn, grow, and build lasting bridges of understanding and kindness. 

Welcome to the Sister Schools family, Cathcart, Jing Mei, and Bennett! Let’s change the world together.