August 18, 2021
Dear Families,
As we prepare for the new school year, we have planned for a “soft start” for our students. This will provide an opportunity for students to feel comfortable, welcomed, and get to know their teachers and peers as they return to school.
The soft start will also provide an opportunity for students, parents and guardians to reconnect with their school community or get to know their new school. After two years of not being on campus regularly, we want to make certain that we are meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. We will also use this opportunity to identify supports students may need to feel comfortable returning to school, ensuring that they feel welcome and ready to learn.
The soft start dates to mark on your calendar are September 8, 9 and 10.
Please read the important information below that you need to know for each grade level:
Elementary
By September 2, teachers/schools will reach out to families to set up a conference with each student and their parent/guardian in their class for September 8th, 9th, or 10th. The evening of September 9 will be dedicated to families that are unable to schedule during the day. The conference will provide an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher in advance of having them in the classroom for the first time. If for some reason parents/guardians are unable to attend in person, work with your child’s teacher to schedule a virtual or other option to connect.
For those entering Kindergarten, a WAKids assessment appointment will be scheduled by the classroom teacher.
All elementary students in grades K - 5 will start school on September 13. This will be a full day of school on a regular schedule.
Families with students enrolled in Preschool at the Early Learning Center will be contacted by your child’s teacher or school staff. Preschool students start school on September 13.
***Preschool and elementary students start school in person September 13***
Middle and High School (with the exception of Heritage and Legacy High School - see information below)
Middle and high schools have dedicated one day, September 8, for grades 6 and 9 only. Only grade 6 and grade 9 will attend school on September 8 for WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) for middle school (grade 6), and LINK (a student leadership mentor program) for high school (grade 9). This is a full day of school with scheduled activities and engagement with the students.
All grades 6 - 12 will attend school for a full day on a regular schedule on September 9.
Heritage and Legacy High School
On September 8, all students in grades 9 - 12 will engage in soft start activities to provide an opportunity for students to feel comfortable, welcomed, and get to know their teachers and peers as they return to school. All Heritage and Legacy students will attend school for a full day on September 8 and 9.
***All middle and high school students will attend school following the early release schedule on September 10***
School offices will reopen on August 24 to serve students, families, and community members. After this time, schools will also begin communicating directly with families using multiple communication tools (email, web posts, text messaging, and robocalls). Please watch and listen for updates and information from your schools.
If parents/guardians submitted an interest in virtual (online) learning, parents/guardians will receive a separate communication.
If you have any questions about the opening of schools and the soft start before school offices open, we are here to help. Feel free to contact the District’s Educational Service Center at (360) 965-0000.
At-A-Glance Dates to Remember
DATE | WHO | ACTIVITY |
Wednesday, 9/8/21 | Grade 6 & 9 only | WEB & LINK |
Wed 9/8 - Fri 9/10 | Kindergarten | WAKIDS Assessments |
Wed 9/8 - Fri 9/10 | Grades 1 - 5 | Reconnection Conferences |
Thursday, 9/9/21 | Grades 6 - 12 | Regular Schedule |
Friday, 9/10/21 | Grades 6 - 12 | Early Release |
Monday, 9/13/21 | All Grades, Pre - 12 | Regular Schedule |