Dear WES Parents,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year. We are very excited to have you and your children as part of the Washington Elementary Family. Last year at this time, we were frantically preparing to open a brand new addition. This year finds us very thankful for the beautiful learning spaces we have for all of the WES students, and every staff member has been working very hard to prepare for the return of our students.
For those families new to WES, please know that our entrance is located on the WEST side of the building. This entrance is located directly outside of our new main office so this has helped to greatly improve building security and school safety!
Here are some things for you to remember:
*If coming to WES during the school day, this new entrance will be the only door where you can gain building access. Visitor parking spaces, along with the WES parking lot will be available for parents when picking up or dropping off students during the school day.
*The east doors will still be used for students entering school and will be unlocked at 7:50 a.m. and then locked again at 8:15 a.m. Students will also use these doors for going to and from the playground, and students can dismiss from these doors at the end of the school day. There isn't an intercom located at this door so the office cannot “buzz” people in from this side.
*The circle drive on the west side of the building is for loading/unloading students being transported to/from WES by school bus or by the Kids Campus van only! The circle drive is not large enough to support a second lane of traffic so the parking spaces will be for staff members who will not be entering or exiting the building during student arrival or dismissal. There will also be two handicapped parking spaces in this row of parking. Please do not try and use the circle drive for dropping off or picking up during student drop off or pick up as this will create major congestion! It is not designated for this type of activity!! I
ncluded you'll find a Year-At-A-Glance calendar which will highlight the main events at WES for the upcoming school year. I hope that you will find this to be a helpful tool as you navigate through the upcoming school year. The district school calendar will also be available at either the USD 418 Central Office located at 514 North Main or at the WES Office.
You are invited to come and meet your child’s teacher on Tuesday, August 16 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at our Back to School Night. This will assist us in building a relationship with you and your child before the school year starts. Please bring your child’s school supplies at this time. Also, please check the USD 418 website for the appropriate school supply lists to assist you as you purchase school supplies for your students.
School starts Wednesday, August 17, 2016 for grades 1-5, and Kindergarten students will begin on Thursday, August 18. The first few days of school can be a little stressful for your child due to all the excitement of meeting new friends and adjusting to a new classroom environment. Please talk to your child about what he or she is to expect and help sooth their anxiety by reassuring them that school is a fun and safe place to learn. Looking forward to a great 2016-2017 school year!
Sincerely,
Jill Beam
WES Principal