Hatchet Happenings
February 2025

WCS Awarded Daviess County Chamber of Commerce Impact Award
Washington Community Schools is proud to be the recipient of the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce Impact Award, recognizing our dedication to excellence in education. This honor highlights the district’s commitment to fostering student success through innovative initiatives, including the renovation of Hatchet Hollow, STEM curriculum, robotics programs, Dual Language Immersion, Grade Level Centers, College & Career Readiness, and our Kids at Hope belief system. We are grateful for the support of our community as we continue to provide meaningful opportunities for all students to thrive.
WCS Hosts Purdue Extension Leadership Workforce Development Cohort
Washington Community Schools had the privilege of hosting representatives from Purdue Extension Daviess County for an engaging and insightful session focused on education and workforce development. This event brought together local leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals to discuss the critical intersection of education and workforce readiness in Daviess County.
A key highlight of the event was the Workforce Development Panel, which provided an opportunity for participants to hear directly from experts in the field. The panelists shared insights on the mission and goals of their organizations, the programs and services they offer, and the populations they serve. Additionally, they addressed pressing topics such as employer needs, skill gaps, and strategies to enhance workforce preparedness in the county. The discussion emphasized the importance of community collaboration in creating a more employable workforce and sustaining economic vibrancy.
Washington Community Schools is honored to have played a role in facilitating this important discussion and looks forward to continued partnerships that support education and workforce development in our community. We extend our gratitude to the Leadership Daviess County Workforce Development Cohort and all those who contributed to making this session a success.
Washington HS Theater Presents Twice Upon a Time
Hatchet Robotics at Washington High School
WJHS Students of the 3rd Nine Weeks
Congratulations to Owen, Carson, Piper, and Lilly, who all excelled in grades, behavior, and leadership. Thank you to the New End Zone for sponsoring the student of the week shirts!
Staff Members of the Month
This year, 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. Congratulations to Leigh Ann Marts, Sherry Jones, Sara Kelso, and Whitney Albrecht.
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!
Dual Language Immersion - Apply by March 17, 2025
Incoming Kindergarten Families!
Dual Language Immersion education integrates oral and cognitive academic language development in both English and Spanish while mastering grade-level knowledge and skills in all elementary content areas. This integration between both languages fosters the essential building blocks for students to develop into bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students.
Apply by March 17, 2025 to be eligible for the lottery. All applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case by case basis and moved to a waiting list.
Future Pre-K Families!
The Interest Form for our 2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten Program is now open!
✅ Who is eligible?
Children who will attend kindergarten at Washington Primary or Washington Veale Elementary and are 4 years old by August 1, 2025.
Program Details:
- Morning & Afternoon Sessions Available
- Parents Must Provide Transportation
- Selection by Random Lottery (Limited Space!)
Important Dates:
- Interest Form Is Now Open – Space is Limited!
- Families will be notified of selection the week of March 31, 2025
- Selected families must pre-register in person the week of April 7-11, 2025
📌 Filling out the form does NOT guarantee a spot. If not selected, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
📩 Express your interest today and give your little one a strong start! 🎓✨
Learn more about fees, vouchers, and the On My Way PK Program by clicking the button below:
Managing Stress in Adolescence
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 to Indentify What Causes Stress
When we teach our children healthy stress management techniques, we empower them to thrive in an unpredictable world. Stress affects mood and can cause physical discomfort. The actions we take to feel better can either help us grow stronger of damage our health, well-being, and even relationships. And one the the keys to taking effective action is helping teens understand what's causing the stress in the first place.
Stress is Not ALL Bad
Stress can be a good thing. A small amount of stress focuses attention and enhances performance. Genuinely life-threatening crises send the mind and body into survival mode. This literally saves lives by preparing us to connect to others, escape, and even fight when necessary.
Save Energy
Resilient people conserve energy. They control how deeply stress gets under their skin. They do the hard work of preventing everyday stresses from being blown out of proportion. They focus when needed. They run when they should. We must remind our teens of this important tactic.
March 11 - Future Chefs
March 19 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay
March 24-28 - No School, Spring Break
April 18 - No School Good Friday
April 28 - Kindergarten Night, Washington Primary
April 30 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay
May 3 - Prom
May 6 - Robotics Showcase
May 23 - Last Day of School
May 24 - Graduation
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
Learn more at: https://www.washingtoncommunityschools.org/district/experience-more