🪓Hatchet Happenings - Back to School 2026

Future Ready Begins Here At Washington Community Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and prepare for a successful future. Through engaging learning experiences, real-world career exploration, and advanced educational opportunities, our College and Career Readiness programs help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in college, careers, and life. From elementary school through graduation, students are encouraged to dream big, explore possibilities, and take meaningful steps toward their future goals. ENROLL TODAY!  BACK TO SCHOOL 2026 - 2027   Registration for the 2026-27 School Year Online Registration for returning students will begin on July 14, 2026, in Skyward Family Access. Your login and password information will be emailed to the email address(s) on file in Skyward. If you are having difficulty registering online or require additional assistance, please call your child's school, or you are welcome to attend In-Person Registration.  In-Person Registration for new students and those requiring assistance will begin on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at your child’s school.  For incoming kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students, if you completed pre-registration in the spring and provided the required documentation, you may complete registration online in Skyward Family Access. Your login information and instructions will be emailed to you beforehand.  We look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Back to School Information  Skyward Family Access We are pleased to offer Skyward Family Access to our families. Skyward is our student information system, which is on a secure server that families can access with a unique login and password. If you have not been issued login information, please contact your child's school. Skyward Family Access is also available as a mobile app in the Google Play or App Store.  In Skyward Family Access, parents will be able to: Register for School Check Assignments and Grades View Attendance History View Discipline Reports Update Contact/Emergency Contact Information SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS  Transportation If you have questions for our transportation department, please fill out the form below, and Transportation Director Kevin Byrer will get back to you as soon as possible. TRANSPORTATION FORM  School Supply Lists Washington Junior High School and Washington High School do not have specific lists, students are required to have their own supplies as needed. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS  DCHD Immunization Clinic & Sports Physicals Daviess County Health Department Back to School Bash Immunization Clinic Sports Physicals $20 August 3, 4 & 5 from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm 300 E. Hefron St. Daviess County Health Department  ParentSquare Stay connected with ParentSquare Washington Community Schools uses ParentSquare as our primary platform for school communication. Families receive messages through email, app, voice, or text, helping everyone stay informed and involved. An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information in our student information system. We encourage you to activate your account to download the free mobile app, set your language preferences, and choose how and when you’d like to receive messages. Look for an invitation email after registration. What you can do with ParentSquare: Receive updates from your school via email, app, or text notification Choose to get posts as they’re shared or bundled in a daily digest View posts, photos, calendars, and important announcements Communicate in your preferred language with automatic translation Comment on school posts and stay engaged with your school community Send direct messages to teachers and staff Participate in group conversations with other families Sign up for conferences and school events   Back to School Events Calendar Washington Jr. High & Washington High School Walk Thru - Tour the school to find your classes and open your locker. Teachers will not be present. July 28 - Walk Thru, WJHS & WHS 9:00 am – 12:00 pm July 29 - Walk Thru, WJHS & WHS, 5:00 - 7:00 pm July 30 - Walk Thru, WJHS & WHS, 12:00 – 3:00 pm Open House - Meet your child’s teachers. August 12 -Open House, WJHS, 5:00 – 6:00 pm August 12, Open House, WHS, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Washington Upper Elementary Walk Thru - Tour the school and find your classes. Please do not bring school supplies at this time; supplies can be brought in the first few days of school. Teachers will not be present. July 28 - Walk Thru, WUE, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm  July 29 - Walk Thru, WUE 3:00 – 5:30 pm Open House - Meet your child’s teachers and ask questions. August 12 - Open House, WUE, 5:30 – 6:30 pm   Washington Intermediate 2nd Grade Orientation Parent Meeting - Welcome to Washington Intermediate August 3 - 2nd Grade Orientation Meeting, WI, 7:00 - 8:00 pm 3rd & 4th Grade Back to School Night - Tour the school, meet your teachers, and drop off school supplies. August 4 - 3rd & 4th Grade Back to School Night, WI, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Washington Veale Elementary Back to School Night - Tour the school, meet your teachers, and drop off school supplies. August 4 - Back to School Night, WVE, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Washington Primary Back to School Night - Tour the school, meet your teachers, and drop off school supplies.  Please note that due to construction, there will be limited parking. We ask that families arrive and depart during their scheduled time so that everyone can attend. August 3 - Back to School Night, Washington Primary 4:30 – 5:15 pm Kindergarten  5:30 – 6:15 pm Little Hatch Preschool 6:30 – 7:15 pm 1st Grade BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR  Kindergarten Staggered Start Schedule Washington Primary has implemented a Staggered Start Schedule for incoming kindergarten students to provide a smooth and supportive transition for our youngest learners. Benefits This schedule facilitates a smoother transition to kindergarten with smaller groups on alternating days. Student stress is reduced with more staff available to help students find their classroom, navigate the cafeteria, and get home safely. Staff can build stronger relationships with students and meet student's needs. Staff will conduct initial assessments to ensure an informed class placement. Smaller groups allow students to explore the environment and feel safe without being overwhelmed by a larger group. Reduced parent traffic at arrival and dismissal is safer and more managable for staff and students. Bus transportation will run as normal each day. STAGGERED START SCHEDULE  2026 School Year Calendar Click the link below to access our Year at a Glance printable calendar, district, and school building calendars. CALENDARS  Scheduled 2-Hour Delay Calendar Washington Community Schools will have (8) 2-Hour Delay Wednesdays, 1 per month excluding December & May, built into our school calendar for staff professional development. As a district, we feel it is important to dedicate time for collaboration, focus on data-informed decision making, and best instructional practices. This will allow our entire team of educators to work collectively to provide an educational experience that meets the needs of all learners with a greater level of impact on student achievement and success. On these dates, all schools will follow the same procedures and schedule as a 2-Hour Weather Delay. School will start 2 hours later than normal, and buses will pick up students 2 hours later than normal. Breakfast and Lunch will be served. DOWNLOAD & PRINT CALENDAR  Upcoming Events July 14 - Online Registration Begins July 14 - In-Person Registration, 1:00 - 7:00 pm July 15 - In-Person Registration, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm August 5 - First Day of School   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Wednesday, Jul 01 2026

🪓Hatchet Happenings - May 2026. Enjoy your summer br...

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!   WCS Welcomes Cohort 2 of the Indiana Uplands ME Academy! Washington Community Schools is proud to recognize five students who will be joining the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy program next year: Alexander Stedman Jackson Hinderliter Olan Fenters Jordin Santos Garcia Jason Monjares With these new additions, we will have 10 Hatchet students participating in the ME Academy next year across both the junior and senior cohorts. These students are helping build the future workforce for microelectronics through hands-on learning, career exploration, and industry-connected experiences right here in the Indiana Uplands.   Excitement and Growth at Washington Primary: New Playground Brings Fun and Learning Together The expansion of Washington Primary is reaching exciting milestones, and one of the most anticipated additions is our brand-new playground! From the first day it opened, students have been eagerly exploring every corner of the new equipment. It has been so rewarding to watch students on the new playground this year. From climbing structures and teaming up for imaginative games to challenging their balance and coordination, students are actively moving, thinking, and interacting in ways that strengthen both their bodies and minds. The energy, curiosity, and collaboration on display show how a thoughtfully designed playground can transform recess into a dynamic learning experience. As Washington Primary continues to grow, the new playground is an important addition to our school. Seeing students use the equipment shows how these spaces support more than just physical activity—they encourage creativity, teamwork, and social interaction while giving students a fun, engaging way to learn and play.   Summer Camps Stay active, build skills, and have fun this summer! Check back as more camps are added! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION   Summer Meal Program Washington Community Schools Sodexo Food Service is pleased to provide FREE breakfast and lunch meals for all children 18 and under over the summer, no matter what school district they attend. May 26 - June 5, 2026 SUN MEALS at Washington Intermediate - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Congregate Breakfast served from 8:45-9:05 am  Congregate Lunch served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.   Students not in summer school need to enter through the front door and check in. June 9 - July 28, 2026 SUN MEALS TO GO: WCS will be distributing non-congregate meal kits at Washington High School, Gate 4, between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm each Tuesday. At this meal pick-up, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and milk for 5 days for each child in your home. Only parents or legal guardians may pick up meals. CHILDREN MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS. Summer Meal Program Opt-Out Policy If your child is eating lunch, breakfast, or a snack at the YMCA, WC Cardinal Care, or Infinite Sports, they cannot participate in Sun Meals to Go that week. We will be using rosters from these sites to ensure families are not getting meals at both sites. You can opt out of meals at one of these three sites by contacting SFSP program director at elips@wcs.k12.in.us. If you opt out of meals at one of these sites, you can then pick up meal kits on Tuesdays.     Back to School 2026 - 2027   Registration - 2026-2027 School Year Online Registration for returning students will begin on July 14, 2026. In-Person Registration for new students and those requiring assistance will be on: July 14, from 1:00 - 7:00 pm July 15 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm The first day of school is August 5, 2026   Back to School Events Calendar Click the link below to see all Back to School Events for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year! BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR   Kindergarten Staggered Start Schedule Washington Primary has implemented a Staggered Start Schedule for incoming kindergarten students to provide a smooth and supportive transition for our youngest learners. Benefits This schedule facilitates a smoother transition to kindergarten with smaller groups on alternating days. Student stress is reduced with more staff available to help students find their classroom, navigate the cafeteria, and get home safely. Staff can build stronger relationships with students and meet student's needs. Staff will conduct initial assessments to ensure an informed class placement. Smaller groups allow students to explore the environment and feel safe without being overwhelmed by a larger group. Reduced parent traffic at arrival and dismissal is safer and more managable for staff and students. Bus transportation will run as normal each day. STAGGERED START SCHEDULE     Scheduled 2-Hour Delay Calendar Washington Community Schools will have (8) 2-Hour Delay Wednesdays, 1 per month excluding December & May, built into our school calendar for staff professional development. As a district, we feel it is important to dedicate time for collaboration, focus on data-informed decision making, and best instructional practices. This will allow our entire team of educators to work collectively to provide an educational experience that meets the needs of all learners with a greater level of impact on student achievement and success. On these dates, all schools will follow the same procedures and schedule as a 2-Hour Weather Delay. School will start 2 hours later than normal, and buses will pick up students 2 hours later than normal. Breakfast and Lunch will be served. DOWNLOAD & PRINT CALENDAR   Upcoming Events May 22 - Last Day of School May 23 - Graduation, 10:00 am May 26 - June 5 - SUN MEALS at Washington Intermediate June 10 - July 29 - SUN MEALS TO GO: Washington High School, Gate 4, between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm each Tuesday. July 14 - Online Registration Begins July 14 - In-Person Registration, 1:00 - 7:00 pm July 15 - In-Person Registration, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm August 5 - First Day of School   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Monday, May 18 2026

HATCHET HAPPENINGS APRIL 2026

Congratulations Washington Winds Washington Winds brought home a WGI World Championships Bronze Medal in the Scholastic Open!   Shelly Padgett - Teacher Innovator Grant Recipient Our Community Foundation has announced the recipients of the second-semester Teaching Innovator Grants. Washington Community Schools received a $250 grant to support Nurturing Nursery Rhymes. Washington Primary Teacher, Shelly Padgett, accepted the award and was named a Teaching Innovator.  Nursery rhymes are used in classrooms frequently to promote cognitive development and literacy. Incorporating nursery rhymes into a classroom's daily activities can help regulate students' emotions through their musical, songlike verses, provide comfort in difficult and stressful situations, and foster a strong sense of emotional stability while promoting cognitive development and a love of literacy.  Padgett states that self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making are crucial for individuals to make valuable contributions to our community and be good citizens in Daviess County. If students possess these social-emotional traits, they will be able to take others' perspectives into account, recognize others' strengths, demonstrate compassion and empathy, and handle challenging situations more constructively. Having strong social-emotional skills will prepare our students to become better stewards of their property, resources, and the Daviess County community.  Our Community Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching methods in all our area schools. We appreciate our donors' generosity in making this grant possible.    Weather Station at Washington Primary Exciting news at Washington Upper Elementary! Mr. Myer’s class has a new weather station that is officially up and running thanks to a generous grant from Our Community Foundation, Inc. Huge thanks to Shawn Gray for installing it and Zach Lacy for getting everything connected seamlessly! The best part? Students and teachers can now access LIVE weather data anytime—making learning more hands-on and connected to the real world. Plus, the built-in lightning detector helps us make safer decisions for recess, PE, and events. This is such a fun and meaningful way to bring science to life in our classrooms! WEATHER STATION DATA   Staff Members of the Month Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month - Steve Tolliver, Sydney Huff, and Kim Wood. At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day. At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence. Thank you to Tim Cochren from Habig Injury Law for supporting our staff and providing each nominee with a $50.00 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler! READ THE NOMINATIONS   School Board Members Honored by the Indiana School Boards Association Tim Hedrick and Rob McCormick of Washington Community Schools have received the Indiana School Boards Association’s 2025 Exemplary Governance Award, recognizing their strong commitment to student success and professional learning. They are among just 314 board members statewide to earn an EGA honor this year. The awards are based on participation in ISBA training and events, with four levels of distinction. ISBA leaders and district officials praised both members for their dedication to effective governance, continuous learning, and service to students. ISBA PRESS RELEASE   Story Walk at Washington Intermediate! Story Walk is a fun family Title I event held every spring. Families explored the book The Dog Who Cried Wolf and participated in fun family activities!   Youth First - Talk First, They Listen Kinship Care: The Conversations That Still Matter Many grandparents and relatives never expect to find themselves raising children again. It often happens quickly, such as during a time of crisis when a child needs safety, stability, and someone willing to step in. Kinship caregivers do exactly that. They open their homes, adjust their lives, and provide what matters most: consistency and care. But along the way, many wonder:   Am I supposed to parent the same way I did before? What if I don’t have the energy for this? What if I push too hard and hurt the relationship? These questions are real. And so is this truth: your voice still matters, more than you may realize. The children in your care are watching, listening, and learning from you every day. They may not always show it, but they are forming beliefs about trust, safety, and relationships based on what they experience in your home. YOUTH FIRST PARENT RESOURCES   E-Bikes & E-Scooter Safety From the Washington Police Department We’re seeing a big increase in E-Bike & E-Scooter use. Below are some of the regulations: The Basics • E-bikes must be 750 watts or less & fall into Class 1, 2, or 3 • Over 750W? It is NOT an e-bike, it may require a license, registration, & insurance Quick Rules- • E-bikes & scooters are treated like bicycles • Can ride where bikes are allowed • Class 3 has extra restrictions: Under 15 cannot operate & under 18 a helmet is required Traffic Laws Apply - If you’re on the road, you must: • Stop at stop signs & red lights • Obey one-way streets Lighting Reminder- • At night, both e-bikes & scooters must have a white front light & red rear light or reflector visible from 500 feet Parents - Before you buy: • Check wattage (750W or less) • Check speed & class label Many “e-bikes” sold are NOT street legal for kids.   Proud to be a Hatchet? - Share Your Story! We’re building a new Alumni Spotlight series for our social media, and we want to feature you. Tell us what you’re up to now - careers, families, adventures, proud moments - and you might be featured in a short spotlight called “Proud to Be a Hatchet” on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Why share? Celebrate your journey and inspire current students. Show your Hatchet Pride to our community. Get a professional/creative shout-out on our official channels. How it Works  Fill out the short survey below (2–5 minutes) and upload a photo. If selected, we’ll craft a brief post from your answers and confirm with you before publishing.   Tell us why you are Proud to Be a Hatchet! PROUD TO BE A HATCHET   Incoming Kindergarten Parent Information Night Join Us for an Important Evening! Wednesday, May 6, 5:30 -7:00 Washington Primary Gym We are excited to welcome our incoming kindergarten families for a night of information, connection, and support as you prepare for the upcoming school year. We look forward to partnering with you as your child begins their journey at Washington Primary!  To help you fully hear and engage with all of the important information being shared, we strongly encourage families to attend without children if possible. This is a structured event (not an open house), so it is also very important to arrive promptly at 5:30 PM. Child Care will not be provided. The event concludes at 7:00 PM. We can’t wait to welcome you and begin this exciting journey together! PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT   K-12 Robotics Showcase Join Us for Our 3rd Annual K-12 Robotics Showcase! Students will demonstrate our Lego League, VEX Robotics, and FIRST Robotics Teams for students in grades K-12! May 5, 6:00 - 7:00 pm The Hatchet House Enter Gates 1 & 4   Sports Physicals for Incoming 5th-12th Grade Student Athletes May 13, 2026 3:00 - 5:00 pm Hatchet House - Gate 1 $20 per Physical You must have your health history (pages 1-2) and signature pages (page 5) completed by a parent, or we cannot see you! Forms must be turned in to the Athletic Office by May 7th. Blank forms can be picked up in the Athletic Office, JH Office, and Upper Elementary Office.   Summer Camps Stay active, build skills, and have fun this summer! Check back as more camps are added! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION       Upcoming Events April 28 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay May 2 - Prom May 4-8 - Washington Intermediate Book Fair May 5 - K12 Robotics Showcase, 6:00 pm, Hatchet House May 6 - Band Concert, 7:00 pm May 13 - Sports Physicals, 3:00-5:00 pm, Hatchet House May 15 - 8th Grade Dance May 17 - Art Gallery Showcase, WHS May 17 - Choral Concert, 6:30 pm May 20 - 8th Grade Recognition Night, 6:30 pm May 22 - Last Day of School May 23 - Graduation, 10:00 am   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Tuesday, Apr 28 2026

☘️ Hatchet Happenings - March 2026 🖤🪓💛

FIRST Robotics Competition in the Hatchet House Join Us This Weekend! FIRST is once again coming to Washington - April 3rd and 4th (Friday and Saturday). For the third year in a row we have been asked to host a robotics competition for the high school FRC division. This is a huge event for our community that brings in 27 teams from all over the state. FIRST Robotics represents the highest level of high school robotics competition, and it’s an incredible opportunity to see our students apply their skills, collaborate, and grow. It’s something our school can truly be proud of. The Hatchet House will host the main arena, and the WJHS gym will hold the pits. Both gyms are interesting to watch and visit. We encourage you to stop by, support our students, and enjoy some great food trucks! Admission is free! EVENT DETAILS   Career Connections Take Center Stage at Washington High School Washington High School recently hosted a successful Job Symposium, connecting students with local employers to explore career options, understand workforce demands, and discover opportunities right here in Daviess County. Throughout the event, students engaged with professionals from a range of industries, gaining valuable insight into the skills, education, and training needed for life after graduation. Experiences like this are essential in developing a strong, future-ready workforce and supporting continued economic growth in our community. A big thank you to the educators, business leaders, and community partners who dedicated their time to inspire and guide our students. Creating these early connections helps ensure both our students and our local workforce are set up for long-term success.   Future Ready Pathways at WHS - Freshman Interview Real-World Professionals As part of the WHS Pathways Program, freshmen students have the opportunity to interview professionals in their chosen career fields. Recently, Washington High School welcomed 20 professionals who shared their experiences and insights with students. We appreciate our community for giving our students the opportunity to explore what various careers look like on a day-to-day basis.   Future Chefs Cooking Competition Sodexo's Future Chefs Cooking Competition is a national challenge to encourage elementary students to learn more about nutrition, healthy food choices, and cooking techniques. Congratulations to our winner Jupyter! Her winning Shepard’s Pie recipe will move on to the state level.   Staff Members of the Month Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month - Alicia Hand, Mandee Dawson, and Meg Hinkle (Not pictured) At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day. At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence. Thank you to Tim Cochren from Habig Injury Law for supporting our staff and providing each nominee with a $50.00 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler! READ THE NOMINATIONS   Your Feedback Matters! Sodexo Food Services Survey Please take a minute to provide your feedback about school meals. This is for students and parents. We want to hear from you! COMPLETE THE SURVEY   Youth First - Helping Boys Talk About Their Feelings and Ask for Help For generations, boys have been told—directly or indirectly—to “man up,” “be tough,” or “don’t cry.” These messages, though often unintentional, teach boys that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. As a result, many boys grow up believing that asking for help or discussing their feelings is something to be avoided. This can result in boys and men feeling more isolated when going through normal struggles; and when life is particularly stressful, it can lead them to cope through unhealthy strategies like substances and other risky behaviors.  So, how can parents, caregivers, and educators help boys open up?  Youth First-Talk, They Hear You   Proud to be a Hatchet? - Share Your Story! We’re building a new Alumni Spotlight series for our social media, and we want to feature you. Tell us what you’re up to now - careers, families, adventures, proud moments - and you might be featured in a short spotlight called “Proud to Be a Hatchet” on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Why share? Celebrate your journey and inspire current students. Show your Hatchet Pride to our community. Get a professional/creative shout-out on our official channels. How it Works  Fill out the short survey below (2–5 minutes) and upload a photo. If selected, we’ll craft a brief post from your answers and confirm with you before publishing.   Tell us why you are Proud to Be a Hatchet! PROUD TO BE A HATCHET   Washington Band Community Concert Wednesday, April 15, at 7:00 pm in the Hatchet House Join us to enjoy performances by: Washington JV Winter Guard Washington Cadet Winter Guard Washington Indoor Percussion Washington Winds   Downtown Color Walk/Run Join in on the Discover Downtown Washington Color Walk/Run! May 30 - 9:00 am Downtown Washington Kids-$15 Adults-$30 REGISTER TODAY!     Upcoming Events April 3 - No School, Good Friday April 3-4 - FIRST Robotics Competition, Hatchet House April 7 - Spring Pictures, Washington Upper Elementary April 8 - Little Hatch Preschool Preregistration April 15 - Washington Band Community Concert, 7:00 pm April 18 - Black and Gold Gala April 23 - Story Walk, Washington Intermediate, 6:00 pm April 29 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay May 2 - Prom May 6 - Band Concert, 7:00 pm May 15 - 8th Grade Dance, 7:30 pm May 17 - Art Gallery Showcase, WHS Cafeteria, 5:00 pm May 17 - Spring Choral Concert, 6:30 pm May 20 - 8th Grade Recognition Night, 6:30 pm May 22 - Last Day of School May 23 - Graduation, 10:00 am   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Thursday, Apr 02 2026

Hatchet Happenings - February 2026

STEM Night! Washington Community Schools was proud to host our first STEM Night, a chance for students to showcase their skills and show their parents all that they have been learning. Visitors were able interact with STEM offerings at WCS, including VR Googles that help students visualize careers, microelectronics, robotics, and much more!   Meet the Author - Brittany Anne Wilkerson Local author, artist, and creative Brittany Anne Wilkerson visited Washington Intermediate to share with students her books, her artwork and her creative process! Wilkerson is the author of Tea Time with Nannie, Amazing Animals And Their Fabulous Tales, and The Skeleton Ball. She has also illustrated I Am Holding Seven Fingers by Carrie Welch. In an activity to inspire student's creativity, students were encouraged to look at everyday objects and see how the shapes could be transformed into something new. Each student went home with a signed copy of one of her books. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with our students.   WTWO Teacher of the Month Congratulations Ms. Ponce, Dual Language Immersion teacher at Washington Primary. She was nominated for Teacher of the Month, sponsored by DC Metal!   WCS Earns District-Wide STEM Certification Washington Community Schools has earned national recognition from STEM.org for its strong commitment to high-quality, K–12 STEM education. The distinction highlights the district’s vertically aligned STEM pathway, which includes Project Lead The Way coursework, districtwide robotics programs (LEGO, VEX, and FIRST), and a new K–12 Microelectronics curriculum introducing students to semiconductor and emerging technologies. “This recognition reflects the intentional work of our teachers and the opportunities we’ve built for students from kindergarten through graduation,” said Dr. Steve Peterson, Assistant Superintendent. “We are preparing students not just for graduation, but for meaningful futures in college, careers, and advanced technical fields.” The honor affirms the district’s ongoing focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and workforce readiness. STEM CERTIFICATION   Six WCS Teachers Selected for Purdue Microelectronics Fellowship Washington Community Schools is proud to announce that six educators have been selected as Noyce Microelectronics Master Teacher Fellows through Purdue University. The NSF-funded fellowship prepares K–12 STEM leaders to expand microelectronics education in high-need schools. Selected Fellows are Patty Allen, Jayden Barley, Tamara Delisle, Isabella Henderson, Matt Riney, and Megan Riley. WCS is one of only four districts participating in this regional initiative, in partnership with SCALE K–12, Regional Opportunity Initiatives, NSWC Crane, and the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub to strengthen Indiana’s microelectronics workforce pipeline. Fellows will receive a $13,250 annual supplement for five years, participate in a Purdue Summer Institute, lead professional development, and support curriculum alignment across grade levels. WCS congratulates these educators for helping expand STEM opportunities and prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced technology.   Staff Members of the Month Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month - Brian Hancock, Taylor Gray, and Julie Martindale.  At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day. At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence. Thank you to Tim Cochren from Habig Injury Law for supporting our staff and providing each nominee with a $50.00 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler! READ THE NOMINATIONS   Little Hatch Preschool We are excited to announce that Washington Primary's Little Hatch Preschool will now be a full-day program! Students must be at least four years old by August 1, 2026. Washington Community Schools is currently gathering information from families interested in enrolling their children in our Little Hatch Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year. Please complete the interest form no later than March 20, 2026, to be considered for the lottery selection. All submissions completed after March 20 will automatically be put on the waiting list. Space is limited! ENROLL TODAY!   ParentSquare Mobile App Having trouble logging in to the ParentSquare Mobile App? The ParentSquare moblie app allows users stay logged in for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you will be required to log out and then log back in again to refresh your session. Click the three lines to access the menu. Select Account Sign Out Sign In (forgot your password? Use your email address or phone number and follow the prompts.) Staff who are also parents should log in with their work account first, and then switch to their parent account. To download the ParentSquare app, visit the Google Play or Apple App Store.   Youth First Is Empowering Parents The difference between stress and distress for children and adolescents Stress and distress are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different experiences, especially in the context of children's emotions and well-being. Understanding the difference between these two can help parents and caregivers better support children in managing their emotions and developing resilience. LEARN MORE - TIPS FOR PARENTS   What does America mean to you? America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them, with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America’s Field Trip is expanding with more exciting field trips, and more opportunities for students to win. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize. SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY   Proud to be a Hatchet? - Share Your Story! We’re building a new Alumni Spotlight series for our social media, and we want to feature you. Tell us what you’re up to now - careers, families, adventures, proud moments - and you might be featured in a short spotlight called “Proud to Be a Hatchet” on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Why share? Celebrate your journey and inspire current students. Show your Hatchet Pride to our community. Get a professional/creative shout-out on our official channels. How it Works  Fill out the short survey below (2–5 minutes) and upload a photo. If selected, we’ll craft a brief post from your answers and confirm with you before publishing.   Tell us why you are Proud to Be a Hatchet! PROUD TO BE A HATCHET     Upcoming Events March 4 - Freshman Orientation, 6:00 pm March 8 - Daylight Savings Time Begins March 10 - Future Chefs March 18 - Scheduled Two-Hour Delay March 23-27 - Spring Break, No School April 3 - Good Friday, NO School April 7 - Spring Pictures, Washington Upper Elementary April 8 - Little Hatch Preschool Preregistration April 18 - Black and Gold Gala April 29 - Scheduled Two-Hour Delay May 2 - Prom May 6 - Band Concert, 7:00 pm May 15 - 8th Grade Dance May 20 - 8th Grade Recognition Night, 6:30 pm May 22 - Last Day of School May 23 - Graduation, 10:00 am   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Friday, Feb 27 2026

🌟Hatchet Happenings - January 2026 ❄️☃️

Kindergarten Preregistration Any student who will be at least five years of age on or before August 1, 2026, is eligible to attend kindergarten. It is very important that all families with students attending Kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year participate in Preregistration, as it is the first step in preparing for the upcoming school year. Please call Washington Primary at 812 254-8360 to make an appointment. Preregistration is by appointment only, with afternoon and evening appointments available. February 23 - February 26, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm February 27, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Kindergarten Preregistration   Dual Language Immersion Parent Meeting February 12, 2026 6:00 pm Washington Primary All incoming kindergarten familes are encouraged to attend! Learn more about our program, which includes Dual Language Immersion classrooms and is based on a 50/50 model, in which 50% of the instruction is delivered in English, and the other 50% is delivered in Spanish each day. The program is designed to teach children a second language in a natural way through subject content instruction and everyday classroom conversation. The Dual Language Immersion program is voluntary. Families who are interested in participating will be asked to complete an application process to be accepted into the program. DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION   Little Hatch Preschool 2026-2027 We are excited to announce that Washington Primary's Little Hatch Preschool will now be a full day program! Students must be at least four years old by August 1, 2026. Washington Community Schools is currently gathering information from families interested in enrolling their children in our Little Hatch Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year. Please complete the interest form no later than March 20, 2026 to be considered for the lottery selection. All submissions completed after March 20 will automatically be put on the waiting list. Space is limited! APPLY TODAY!   Proud to be a Hatchet! We’re building a new Alumni Spotlight series for our social media, and we want to feature you. Tell us what you’re up to now - careers, families, adventures, proud moments - and you might be featured in a short spotlight called “Proud to Be a Hatchet” on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. PROUD TO BE A HATCHET   Staff Members of the Month At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day. Congratulations to our January Nominees Amy Cline, Macy Garcia, and Lisa Emmick! At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence. Thank you to Tim Cochren from Habig Injury Law for supporting our staff and providing each nominee with a $50.00 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler! READ THE NOMINATIONS   American Legion Americanism and Government Award Sydney Sandullo and Harrison Merold were the winners of the American Legion Americanism and Government contest at Washington High School. They were both also winners of the American Legion District 7 competition. The test covers all aspects of Government, including the Constitution, national, state, and local government. The test also includes an essay. Congratulations to you both.   Youth First: Parenting in a Digital World - Navigating the Challenges In today’s digital age, parenting has taken on new dimensions. The rapid proliferation of technology and the internet has transformed how children learn, play, and communicate. While the digital world offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges that parents must navigate to ensure their children grow up healthy, safe, and well-adjusted. This article explores the complexities of parenting in a digital world, offering practical tips and strategies for managing the influence of technology on children’s lives.  PARENTING IN A DIGITAL WORLD   WHS Theater Department Presents - The Lion King Jr. Saturday, February 7, 2:00 pm Sunday, February 8, 2:00 & 5:00 pm The Lion King JR. is a musical adaptation of the beloved 1994 film, following lion cub Simba’s journey from exiled youth to rightful King of the Pride Lands. Admission at Gate 5 Tickets are $5.00   Business & Lifestyle Expo Be sure to stop by the Business Expo to say hello to our admin team and sign up for a chance to win a Black & Gold Pass! February 7 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Washington Conservation Club 350 W. 150 S. Washington, Indiana   School in Session - Makeup Day Reminder: School will be in session on Monday, February 16, 2026. This is a Make Up Day from the snow day on January 28.   Upcoming Events February 4 - 3rd Grade Bingo for Books, Washington Intermediate, 6:00 pm. February 12 - School Smiles Dentist at Washingon Intermediate February 16 - School in Session, Makeup Day February 23-27 - Kindegarten Preregistration, Washington Primary February 25 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay March 8 - Daylight Savings Time begins March 18 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay March 23-27 - Spring Break, NO School March 3 - Good Friday, NO School   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Friday, Jan 30 2026

NEW Remote Instruction eLearning Plan - What Parents...

NEW REMOTE INSTRUCTION ELEARNING DAY PLAN WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW Washington Community Schools Families When weather conditions require a school closure, Washington Community Schools uses eLearning Days to ensure students remain engaged, supported, and learning. Currently, our district utilizes Asynchronous eLearning Days, a format that we have successfully used for several years and one with which most families are familiar. Additionally, we will now be utilizing Remote Instruction (Synchronous) eLearning Days as an option when needed. ELEARNING & REMOTE INSTRUCTION   Why Add Remote Instruction to our eLearning Plan? The state of Indiana allows school districts to use up to 3 Asynchronous eLearning Days per school year. However, there is no limit on the number of Remote Instruction (Synchronous) eLearning Days that may be used. By adding Remote Instruction, we can reduce disruptions to learning and help avoid extending the school year into summer break if we have a multiple days of severe weather.   Two Types of eLearning eLearning Days (Asynchronous) This format follows the same structure we have used in previous years. Assignments will be posted by 9:00 am and teachers will be available from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to assist families. Lessons and assignments are posted online Students complete work at their own pace throughout the day Teachers provide instructions, recorded lessons, and feedback   Remote Instruction Days On a Remote Instruction Day, students participate in live, online learning with their teachers. Students log in at scheduled times using Google Meet Teachers provide real-time instruction Students can ask questions and participate in discussions in real time Approximately half of the day includes live instruction Office Hours In addition to Remote Instruction, Office Hours will be available throughout the day. During this time, staff will be available to answer questions, assist families, and provide additional support as needed. Remote Instruction Schedules The Remote Instructional Day will take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Schedules are based on grade level, with Office Hours scheduled throughout the day. For a complete list of schedules by grade, please visit the Remote Instruction page of our website: REMOTE INSTRUCTION SCHEDULES   How will an eLearning Day or Remote Instruction Day be announced? Parents will be notified of a School Closure, eLearning Day, or Remote Instruction Day via ParentSquare voice, email, text, and push notification. The district will also post on our website and social media channels and share with local media.  CLOSINGS & DELAYS   How do families access elearning assignments? Assignments will continue to be accessed through the Elementary eLearning Portal or Google Classroom. Remote Instruction schedules will vary by grade level and will be communicated clearly to families. ELEMENTARY ELEARNING PORTAL   What if I have internet or technical difficulties? If something is not working correctly with the student’s device or there is a problem with accessing a digital resource, please attempt to communicate the problem to your student’s teacher. The teacher will submit a help desk ticket to the WCS IT department who will review the problem and provide necessary directions or information for resolving the problem. Students having difficulty completing assignments at home will have time to complete assignments once school resumes.   Attendance will be taken based on completion of assignments, online attendance taken via Google Meet, or communication with the student's teacher by email or phone during an eLearning/Remote Instruction day.   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Wednesday, Jan 14 2026

December Hatchet Happenings - 2025

  Student Council Rings the Bells for the Salvation Army Washington Veale Elementary was proud to support the Salvation Army by ringing the bells and spreading holiday cheer in our community. ❤️🔔 Our students and staff showed the true spirit of giving, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.   Author Visit at Washington Primary Washington Primary was excited to have a real author visit and read with them! Tyler G. Mitchell, author of Double Trouble and the Upside Down Christmas Tree, shared how his book is inspired by his younger twin brothers.   Giving the Gift of HOPE at Washington Intermediate Our 3rd graders are time-traveling toward their futures, exploring college and career dreams as part of our Kids At Hope journey. One of our favorite traditions is making those dreams tangible by gifting every 3rd grader a brand-new college or business sweatshirt before winter break. This project is only possible because of the incredible support from our Washington Community Schools community. Thank you for helping us remind students that ALL children are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS!   Christmas Tree STEM Challenge at Washington Upper Elementary STEM students at Washington Upper Elementary were given a LEGO robotics challenge "I want to make my whole Lego tree rotate, and I don’t want to see the turning mechanism." Great Job!   Movie Reward for Students on the Nice List! Big thank you goes out to the Indiana Theater for hosting the incentive trip for our 7th and 8th-grade students. Students who met the requirements of good grades, good behavior, and good attendance went to see the movie Elf.   Holiday Band Concert Enjoy the High School Symphonic Band performing Themes from the Polar Express at their annual Holiday Concert.   Our Students are Learning What it Means to Serve Others As part of the Kids at Hope Community & Service destination, students explored the many people who care for our community—and then created handmade ornaments for local nursing home residents. Small hands. Big hearts. Meaningful impact. ✨   Support the Washington Primary Playground Washington Primary is undergoing an exciting renovation to expand services to Pre-K through 2nd grade by August 2027. This project includes a new kindergarten wing, updates to the existing building, and a plan to move and enhance the school playground to support our growing student population. A revitalized playground will provide safe, inclusive, developmentally appropriate spaces for students to play and learn. Planned improvements include updated equipment, expanded play areas, and better accessibility. Fundraising will continue through next year, with the goal of ordering new equipment in fall 2026 and installing it in spring/summer 2027. Several current structures will be relocated, and additional equipment is needed to support our expanded grade levels. We have identified new play elements to purchase through community support and grant funding. We invite families, alumni, local businesses, and community members to join us in creating a playground that reflects the joy and bright future of Washington Primary. GIVE TODAY   Students in Grades 5-8 Are Eligible for FREE Math & Reading Tutoring Students in grades 5-8 are eligible for Indiana Learns – a statewide grant program that provides qualifying students with one-time $1,000 grants for high-dosage math and reading tutoring. We are partnering with the Ark of Safety to provide in-person and online tutoring sessions. Please note, you may receive a phone call or email from the Ark of Safety to register for free tutoring sessions.  To register, complete the attached form or contact the Director  Denise Carpenter at 317-418-7952. REGISTER TODAY   Youth and Vaping: How can Parents and Caregivers Encourage Reduction in Use? Vaping (also referred to as e-cigarette usage) by youth is a serious concern, with a peak occurring in 2019, when 27.5 percent of high school students reported current use. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, the number of students who reported current e-cigarette use dropped from 2.13 million youth (7.7 percent) in 2023 to 1.63 million youth (5.9 percent) in 2024.    While these numbers are encouraging and heading in the right direction, there is room for continued improvement. How do we continue this downward trend?  TIPS FOR PARENTS   School Smiles On-Site Dental Care The School Smiles team will set up in the school and see your child during the school day. School Smiles offers an Exam, Cleanings, X-Rays, Fluoride, as well as same day treatment if needed. This treatment can consist of Fillings, Sealants, or SDF. January 12 - School Smiles will be returning to Washington Primary to see students who were not able to be seen last time and any new students who are interested. February 12 - School Smiles will be at Washington Intermediate MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT   WHS Class of 2027 Breakfast with Santa Pancake breakfast, hot chocolate bar, crafts, coloring, and professional pictures! Tickets are $10 - children 5 years old and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Saturday, December 20, 8:00 - 11:30 am. Washington High School Cafeteria 608 E. Walnut St., Washington, IN - Enter Gate 4   Proud to be a Hatchet? - Share Your Story! We’re building a new Alumni Spotlight series for our social media, and we want to feature you. Tell us what you’re up to now - careers, families, adventures, proud moments - and you might be featured in a short spotlight called “Proud to Be a Hatchet” on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Why share? Celebrate your journey and inspire current students. Show your Hatchet Pride to our community. Get a professional/creative shout-out on our official channels. How it Works  Fill out the short survey below (2–5 minutes) and upload a photo. If selected, we’ll craft a brief post from your answers and confirm with you before publishing.   Tell us why you are Proud to Be a Hatchet! PROUD TO BE A HATCHET     Upcoming Events December 22-January 2 - Winter Break, No School January 5 - School Resumes January 12 - School Smiles at Washington Primary January 19 - School in Session, Makeup Day January 20 - Washington Primary Home & Family Title Night, 5:30 -7:00 pm January 28 - Scheduled 2-Hour Delay February 12 - School Smiles at Washington Intermediate February 16 - No School, Possible Makeup Day February 25 - Scheduled 2-Hour Delay February 26 - STEM Night   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Friday, Dec 19 2025

Giving Tuesday - Support Washington Primary's Playgr...

Give the Gift of Play! Support the Washington Primary Playground   Washington Primary Renovation & Expansion Washington Primary School is undergoing an exciting renovation that will expand the building to serve Pre-K through 2nd grade by August 2027. This project includes a new kindergarten wing and updates to the existing school. As part of this work, we are seeking community support to move, expand, and enhance the school playground for our growing student population.   Why Play Matters A revitalized playground will offer safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces where children can play, explore, and learn together. Planned improvements include updated play equipment, expanded play areas, and improved accessibility to support the physical, social, and imaginative development of all students. Project Timeline Fundraising will take place over the next year, with the goal of ordering new equipment in fall 2026 and installing it during spring/summer 2027—just in time for the 2027–2028 school year. What We Need Several current playground structures will be relocated to the new site. Additional equipment is needed to support our expanded grade levels, including 2nd grade students who will join Washington Primary beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. We have identified a selection of playground pieces and themed play elements that we hope to purchase through a combination of community contributions and grant funding.   How You Can Help We invite families, alumni, local businesses, and community members to partner with us in this effort. Your donation—big or small—brings us one step closer to creating a playground that reflects the joy, growth, and bright future of Washington Primary. GIVE TODAY!  Contact Us If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. Tori Peterson Communications Coordinator Washington Community Schools 812) 254-5536 ext. 1018

Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Hatchet Happenings - November 2025 🦃🍂

4th Graders Compete in FIRST Lego League Robotics Competition Three 4th-grade FIRST Lego League teams competed at USI on Saturday. They all did an amazing job representing Washington well. Thanks to the coaches, parents, and volunteers who make this opportunity possible for our students. We even had a few high school robotics students show support, and WHS alumni were there volunteering. Definitely a Great Day to be a Hatchet!   Thanksgiving Balloon Parade at Washington Intermediate Our 3rd graders brought Balloon Over Broadway to life! After reading the story behind the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, students designed and created their very own balloons—then put on a schoolwide parade to show them off. Creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun filled the halls today! 🎉🎈   Pathway Days Prepare Students for the Future Career Exploration at Washington High School Washington High School has introduced Pathway Days, an initiative program designed to provide students with real-world career exploration and hands-on learning experiences. Pathway Days are scheduled throughout the school year, offering students structured opportunities to engage with professionals, participate in job shadowing, visit colleges, and explore career paths. The program is tailored to guide students through career readiness activities over their four years of high school. Juniors and seniors presented to freshmen what career path they plan on pursuing, why they chose this career, and advice on how WHS is supporting their journey. Sophomores had the opportunity to visit colleges and businesses relevant to their career cluster. The Health & Medicine classes visited the nursing program at Indiana State University. Business and Public Service students visited Indiana University. Students interested in construction visited the Twin Rivers Building site and classrooms.   Microelectronics Showcase - Washington Intermediate Who Let the Dogs Out? We Did! Our elementary engineers at Washington Intermediate had a blast at our Microelectronics Showcase! Students used their creativity and circuitry skills to design their very own dog parks—complete with moving parts, lights, and clever features powered by microcontrollers. We’re so proud of their imagination, teamwork, and growing STEM confidence!   Kim Conder - Teaching Innovator Grant Recipient Our Community Foundation has announced the Teaching Innovator Grant recipients for fall semester projects. Washington Community Schools received a $250 grant to support the Graffiti on Deck Project. Kim Conder accepted the award and was named a Teaching Innovator. The Graffiti on Deck Project will give 6th-grade art students the opportunity to explore the world of graffiti as a legitimate art form and apply their knowledge in a fun, hands-on way. Students will study the history, styles, and cultural significance of graffiti, then design their own miniature skateboards. Each student will create a unique piece of artwork that reflects their creativity while connecting to popular culture.  "Middle school students are at a critical stage where creativity and self-expression play a powerful role in their personal growth,” says Conder. "Many of my students are naturally drawn to street art and skate culture, but rarely see it celebrated in a positive, academic setting. By channeling their interest into a structured project, students will learn about artistic techniques, cultural history, and the importance of respecting public spaces while still enjoying the bold, expressive qualities of graffiti.” The Foundation conducted its competitive grant program from May to August, inviting Daviess County educators to apply for resources for the first semester of the 2025-26 projects. The Foundation’s Administrative Fund provided funding for this program. “This program makes a strategic investment in the education of Daviess County youth,” says Travis Schaffer, Foundation Board President. “The funding empowers educators to be innovators and create dynamic learning environments that meet the diverse needs of students, so our Daviess County youth are better prepared for success in our ever-changing world.” Our Community Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching methods in all our area schools. We appreciate the generosity of our donors, who made this grant possible.   Washington Grad Earns American Degree from the FFA Agriculture students from Washington HS recently competed at the Future Farmers of America convention in Indianapolis. We are proud to share that WHS grad Dakota Sullivan, class of 2024, was awarded the American Degree, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA organization. The American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. Congratulations Dakota!   A Century in the Making - the Washington Community Gym Turns 100 In 1925, in the heart of Washington, Indiana, a lasting symbol was built—one that would come to define generations of pride, perseverance, and small-town spirit.  Read more about our unique history by clicking the button below.  Washington Community Gym   Sodexo Food Services Suvey - Your Feedback Matters! Please take a moment to fill out a Washington Community Schools Sodexo Food Service Survey. This is for both students and parents. Your feedback is important to us and will result in improvements to our Food Service.  SODEXO FOOD SERVICES SURVEY   Staff Members of the Month Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month - Bridget Fellers, Elizabeth Hilt, and Kelly Hamm.  At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day. At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence. READ THE NOMINATIONS   Youth First is Empowering Parents The Importance of Small Conversations with Your Kids about Values In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the time to have meaningful conversations with our children can often be challenging. Between school, extracurricular activities, work, and household responsibilities, moments for deep discussions may seem few and far between. However, it is precisely these small moments that can be the most impactful, especially when it comes to instilling values. Engaging in brief, consistent conversations about values with your children can play a crucial role in shaping their character, guiding their decision-making, and fostering a strong parent-child relationship. Continue Reading 👉 https://youthfirstinc.org/selmaterial/parents/ Youth First Resources   56th Annual Madrigal Dinner A Cherished Holiday Tradition! December 12th & 13th at 6:30 PM Admission by Reservation Only Pre-Paid before Dec. 10th Make your reservation today!! RESERVE YOUR SPOT   DCYMCA Youth Basketball Boys & Girls Grades K-3rd January 19 - March 7 $60 Members - $80 Non-members Practices begin the week of January 19, 2026. Volunteer Coaches Needed. REGISTER TODAY!     Upcoming Events November 26-28 - No School, Thanksgiving Break December 3 - Holiday Band Concert (Grades 7-12) 7:00 pm December 9 - Kindergarten Holiday Concert (2 sessions at 6:00 & 7:00 pm) December 12-13 - Madrigal Dinner, 6:30 pm December 16 - Holiday Choir Concert (JH & HS), 7:00 pm December 22-January 2 - No School, Winter Break January 5 - School Resumes   Washington Community Schools IMAGINE ACHIEVE MASTER Washington Community Schools is committed to preparing ALL students for the future. Offering a wide variety of opportunities and technology allows students PK-12 to IMAGINE the possibilities, ACHIEVE success and explore their potential, and MASTER skills that will take them to the next level of life and learning. #IAMWashington

Tuesday, Nov 25 2025