Hatchet Happenings - September 2026 💛🪓🖤

College Go! Week WHS Seniors Applying for College for FREE! Waived College Application Fees - September 21 - 25, 2026 ➡️ During College Application Week, many colleges and universities across Indiana join the statewide celebration by waiving their application fees, giving students the opportunity to apply to participating schools for FREE. This is a great opportunity for seniors to explore their college options and submit applications without worrying about application costs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these fee waivers, even if they are still considering several schools, as applying does not mean they are committing to attend. INDIANA COLLEGE GO! WEEK Exploring what’s NEXT! Our sophomores hit the road to Evansville for the Indiana Latino Institute’s College & Career Fair at the Old National Events Plaza. Students had the opportunity to connect with colleges, universities, employers, and organizations while exploring the MANY possibilities waiting for them after high school. From discovering new career paths to learning about college and training opportunities, the day was all about helping students start thinking BIG about their futures! We’re excited to keep creating opportunities that get our students out of the classroom, making connections, exploring their interests, and discovering where their future can take them! Future Ready Begins Here Microelectronics Curriculum Connecting Students to Careers Right Here at Home The technology behind the devices, systems, and equipment we use every day is creating new opportunities for high-tech careers, and Washington High School students are getting an early look at what those careers can look like. Through the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy, Washington students are gaining hands-on experience in microelectronics, learning about electronics, circuits, design, testing, and other technologies connected to the semiconductor and defense industries. The Academy is a partnership involving Regional Opportunity Initiatives, area schools, higher education, and industry partners. Students can also earn college credit, industry credentials, paid work experience, and valuable career connections. What makes this opportunity especially meaningful is the chance for students to see a career opportunities in our area. Our region’s growing microelectronics and defense technology industry connects students’ classroom experiences to real-world careers, with WestGate@Crane Technology Park serving as a hub connecting education, industry, and the defense community. The Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Academy connects students to real-world skills and career opportunities in their own region. This is what Future Ready looks like: giving students the opportunity to explore high-demand careers, gain real-world experience, and discover that a successful future can begin right here at home. Weather Closings & Delays When winter weather or severe conditions impact our area, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. School closure and delay decisions are made through a careful process that considers multiple factors, including road conditions, weather forecasts, and building safety. Click below to learn more about how these decisions are made and how we work to keep families informed. WEATHER-RELATED DELAY & CANCELLATION DECISION PROCESS In the event of a Delay, Closing, eLearning Day, or Remote Instruction day, parents will be notified using the following communication platforms: ParentSquare - email, text message, voice call, and push notifications. Please make sure your contact information is up to date in Skyward. Local Media - We will contact WAMW, WTHI-TV, and WTWO Social Media - Like and follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts to receive the latest updates. District Website - Pop-up notification on our district website Weather Closings & Delays Staff Member of the Month Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Month - Riley Dorsam, Jasmine Medley, and Jessica Scarlett 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! READ THE NOMINATIONS HERE Little Hard Hats at Washington Primary Washington Primary students got a behind-the-scenes look at the world of construction through The Hagerman Group’s Little Hard Hats program! Students learned what it takes to build and create—all while getting hands-on with the tools and ideas that bring construction projects to life. Who knows? We may have a few future builders, engineers, architects, or skilled tradespeople in this group! Thanks to The Hagerman Group for giving our students a fun, hands-on look at career possibilities! Give the Gift of Hope Washington Intermediate Needs Your Help As a Kids at Hope district, Washington Community Schools believes that all children are capable of success — no exceptions. We want our students to dream big and understand that their futures are full of possibilities. To help bring these conversations to life, we hope to provide every third-grade student with a new sweatshirt or crew neck featuring a college or business logo. Students will use these sweatshirts as a way to “time travel” into their futures and imagine the careers, education, and goals they may pursue. Want to donate? Please contact one of our third-grade teachers to get a student’s sweatshirt size or contact Washington Intermediate for more information. Donations are requested by December 1. Thank you to our community for always supporting our students and helping them see that their dreams matter and their futures are full of possibilities. DONATE TODAY! Ready Schools Parent Survey Your Voice Matters - We Need Your Input! WCS Parent/Guardian, Washington Community Schools is excited to be participating in the Ready Schools Initiative this year. The goal of the Ready Schools process is to engage business leaders, community stakeholders, parents, and students in meaningful dialogue about what school success means and to develop a plan to obtain that success. As our community grows, the result will be a collaborative approach designed to support students in achieving academic and career goals aligned with workforce needs. Our initial focus this year is on comprehensive data collection. To establish necessary baseline data, ROI has provided a readiness assessment survey. Please take your time and answer each question to the best of your ability. We appreciate your time and your insight. ENGLISH SPANISH HAITIAN CREOLE Enjoy your day and Go Hatchets! Ross D. Martin WCS District Readiness Coordinator McTeacher Nights Join us for McTeacher Night and help support Washington Community Schools! Our teachers are stepping out of the classroom and into McDonald’s to serve up some fun—and we want YOU to join us! 🍟 Grab dinner 👋 See your favorite teachers ❤️ Support our schools October 6 - Washington Intermediate October 20 - Washington Primary October 27 - Washington Upper Elementary October 28 - Washington Jr. High School Washington McDonald's 1450 E. National Highway 4:00 - 7:00 pm Upcoming Events September 29 - School Picture Day, Washington Intermediate September 30 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay October 6 - McTeacher Night, Washington Intermediate October 9 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Veale Elementary October 12-16 - Fall Break, No School October 20 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Upper Elementary October 20 - School Smiles Dentist at Washington Primary October 20 - McTeacher Night, Washington Upper Elememtary October 22 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Intermediate October 23 - No School - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences October 27 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Primary October 27 - McTeacher Night, Washington Upper Elementary October 28 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay October 28 - Picture Retake Day, Washington HS October 28 - McTeacher Night, WJHS November 1 - Daylight Saving Time Ends November 18 - Scheduled 2-Hour Delay November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break, No School ALL CALENDARS 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, Sep 24 2026

Hatchet Happenings - August 2026 💛🪓🖤

Beginning the School Year with HOPE! All children are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS! We invited our community to show their support for our elementary students and give them a great start to a brand new school year. Members of our community helped us create a "Tunnel of Hope" for students to walk through and make some noise, clap, and cheer, and show just how much our community believes in our students. Progress at Washington Primary Washington Community Schools Selected for Ready Schools Grant Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has selected Washington Community Schools for participation in the fifth cohort of its Ready Schools initiative. Through this keystone ROI program, each school district will receive a development grant to participate during the 2026-27 school year. “Washington Community Schools is excited to be selected for the Ready Schools Initiative,” said Kevin Frank, superintendent of Washington Community Schools. “While we already have many strong programs and opportunities in place, this initiative will allow us to take a thoughtful, comprehensive look at how we can build on those strengths and better prepare every student for success after high school. We look forward to bringing together educators, students, families, community partners, and local employers to strengthen pathways that connect classroom learning to college, careers, and meaningful opportunities in our region.” The Ready Schools framework is an immersive design thinking process that provides school districts with support and funding to reimagine and realign PK-12 curricular and programmatic offerings to meet the specific educational and workforce needs of employers in the Indiana Uplands region. The goal of this initiative is to enable school districts to engage business leaders, community stakeholders, parents, and students in meaningful dialogue about what success means within their community and to develop a strategic plan to obtain that success. The result is a collaborative approach and a comprehensive planning process designed to support students in achieving their academic and career goals through alignment with workforce opportunities in the Indiana Uplands. READY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE Class of 1971 Legacy Fund Celebration We were so pleased to spend some time with members of the Washington High School Class of 1971 for their 55th Reunion! The Class of 1971 has created a Legacy Fund to support Washington Community Schools students and staff. This year, they generously donated $11,000. $5,000 was awarded to the Washington Primary Playground project. College & Career exploration field trips earned $3,000. $1,500 went to expanding the Agricultural Science program. Hatchet Robotics was awarded $1,000, and $500 was given to assist students in paying for caps and gowns so they can participate in the graduation ceremony. We are truly grateful for your generosity and support! Once a Hatchet, Always a Hatchet. Future Ready Begins Here Sparking Curiosity and Building Awareness Career exploration at Washington Community Schools begins by helping students discover who they are and what is possible beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and meaningful connections, students build self-awareness while exploring interests, strengths, and future opportunities. Kids at Hope encourages students to dream big by helping them imagine themselves in the future. Through “Time Travel” experiences, students explore future careers, goals, and possibilities while discovering that their future starts with the choices they make today. By helping students see a positive future for themselves, we inspire them to set goals, build confidence, and believe that success is within their reach. Future Ready Begins Here We’re Making it Easier to Stay Connected! ParentSquare - ONE app for ALL School Communications Washington Community Schools is now using ParentSquare for all communication between school and home. Families can receive updates, sign forms, schedule conferences, and more—on your phone, computer, or through the free app. We’re looking forward to stronger connections and better communication across our school community. Sign up: https://www.parentsquare.com/signin Download the app: https://www.parentsquare.com/resources/app-download/ Scheduled 2 Hour Delay Wednesdays Parents - remember that Wednesday, August 26, 2026, is a Scheduled 2-Hour Delay Wednesday. 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. For the 2026-2027 school year, 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, it is important to dedicate time for collaboration and to 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 all learners' needs with a greater impact on student achievement and success. 2 HOUR DELAY PRINTABLE CALENDAR All Students Eat FREE Breakfast and Lunch Every Day! This program provides a tremendous savings to our families, which adds up to approximately $740.00 per student per year. Please note that only a USDA school meal will be given to students free of charge. Each day, your child is offered a lunch containing the following: a meat or meat alternative, a grain, a fruit, a vegetable, and a milk. Out of these 5 food groups your child is offered, he or she must choose at least 3 food groups for his or her meal. One of the food groups must be a fruit or vegetable. If your child chooses not to take at least 3 out of 5 food groups, the meal will be charged to your child’s account, and parents will be responsible. Any extras or ala carte items will be charged to your child’s account as well. . UNDERSTANDING THE LUNCH LINE Internet Safety Resources for Families The IDOE has created a collection of Internet Safety Resources to help students, educators, and families build essential digital literacy skills. Topics include misinformation, online privacy, cyberbullying, digital well-being, and preventing harm from online challenges. Lesson plans, conversation starters, and interactive tools support safe and ethical participation in the digital world. The collection encourages critical thinking and responsible online behavior. INTERNET SAFETY RESOURCES Upcoming Events August 26 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay August 27 - School Picture Day, Washington Primary September 7 - Labor Day, No School September 17 - School Picture Day, Washington Intermediate September 29 - School Picture Day, Washington JH September 30 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay October 9 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Veale Elementary October 6 - McTeacher Night, Washington Intermediate October 12-16 - Fall Break, No School October 20 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Upper Elementary October 20 - McTeacher Night, Washington Primary October 22 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Intermediate October 23 - No School - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences October 27 - Picture Retake Day, Washington Primary October 27 - McTeacher Night, Washington Upper Elementary October 28 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay 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, Aug 25 2026

🪓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...

ELEARNING & REMOTE INSTRUCTION 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