Enumclaw High School
Monday Memo - Week of August 25, 2025
Up Coming Events for September
- Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 1st Day of School (9th graders only)
- Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - School Pictures (9th Graders)
- Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 1st day of School (9-12th Graders)
- Thursday, August 28, 2025 - School Pictures (10th - 12th Graders)
- Monday, September 1, 2025 - No School (Labor Day)
- Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - Fall Sports Parent Night, 6 -7 PM
- Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - EHS Open House, EHS Commons, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
- Thursday, September 4, 2025 - EHS Football Kickoff vs, Decatur HS, 7:00 PM
- Friday, September 19, 2025 - EHS Drama Department - Day at the 5th
- September 23-25, 2025 - Academic Focus Week
9th Grader "Soft Opening" - Wednesday, August 27, 2025
We are always so excited and filled with anticipation for this day. The 2025-26 school year begins with a "9th-grader only" 1st day of school. We are looking forward to having our freshmen to ourselves on this day. It is so helpful for them to have the day to:
- Get orientated to the EHS campus;
- Meet helpful staff and students that are looking forward to meeting them and helping them to get involved;
- Make new connections with student leaders who are available to answer questions about being successful in high school;
- Participate in guided building tours and meet students who share their same passions and interests.
- Figure out and "walk" their schedules;
- Get the first day jitters out of the way without the stress of upperclassman on campus.
Wednesday, August 27th - Freshmen Orientation
Freshmen Orientation is designed to help our incoming 9th graders feel welcome and safe at EHS. Students will have the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and make new connections with other freshmen, upperclassmen and some staff members. A guided tour of the school will be provided, as well as plenty of Q&A sessions. Activities will focus on increasing confidence and comfort to starting high school and learning what it means to be a Hornet.
Thursday, August 28 - All Hornets Return to School!
We wanted to share some logistical information to help make the start of the school year as seamless as possible.
The 1st day of school for students in grades 10-12 is Thursday, August 28th.
Hornets are expected to attend school Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM.
Every Friday is Early Release at 1:15 PM.
Off Campus Pass for Seniors
Students in the class of 2026 may apply for Senior Off-Campus privileges with parent or guardian permission.
- Here is a link to the Class of 2026 Off-Campus Application - Class of 2026 Off Campus Application
If you have any questions about Senior Off-Campus Privileges, please feel free to call Dr. Merrell at 360-802-7100.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:30-8:00PM - EHS Open House
Enumclaw High School's Open House provides an opportunity for students, parents, and community members to learn about the 2025-2026 school year. The evening will begin a welcome from the principal and EHS staff, followed by a opportunity for attendees to tour campus, explore classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about the myriad of opportunities available to students at EHS. Various booths and demonstrations by clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular groups highlight our school culture will also be available. We look forward to seeing you here!
EHS Digital Hall Pass
Enumclaw High School is moving to a digital hall pass system called Securly Pass to make things easier and safer for everyone. Instead of using paper passes, students can now request a pass on their Chromebook and staff can see who’s out of class in real time. The pass stays active until the student checks in at their destination, helping to cut down on wandering or long breaks. This system also keeps things more consistent across classrooms and helps track tardies automatically, making it quicker and more efficient for staff to support students and keep the school running smoothly.
Staff and students will receive training on the new system over the next two weeks. We hope to be fully operational by Monday, September 15, 2025.
Enumclaw School District Cell Phone Policy - Put Away for the Day
Cell phone usage in classrooms has significantly changed the dynamics of the learning environment and student behavior. For the past twenty years in the Enumclaw School District, we have been permissive in allowing students to bring their own devices and access them during the school day. However, our educators and administrators have observed and shared various challenges that have prompted a reevaluation of our school cell phone practices.
This decision aims to foster a more focused and engaging learning environment free from distractions. Additionally, it is grounded in research that indicates that unrestricted cell phone usage in schools is linked to lower academic performance and student well-being. The surgeon general has also stated that social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. We believe this change will benefit our students academically and socially. Other benefits of the change in policy include:
Increases engagement and academic performance
Promotes connection
Reduces distractions
Improves social interaction
Decreases negative impacts on mental health
Sets our students up to succeed
EHS recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following:
- Cell phones/earbuds shall be TURNED OFF when entering the classroom.
- Cell phones shall be kept in a teacher-approved storage location in the classroom – not in clothing pockets, backpacks, purses, etc.
- Cell phones/earbuds are not allowed to be used in classrooms, the Library/Media Center, common learning areas, or restrooms during any instructional periods throughout the school day.
- Cell phones/earbuds can be turned on ONLY during non-instructional times throughout the school day (before school, during passing periods, at break, lunch, and after school). *If a student needs to make an emergency call during instructional time, they are to come up to the office.
1st Violation: Staff warning. The staff member will remind the student of the policy, document the warning, and connect with the caregiver/family.
2nd Violation: Phone will be confiscated and turned into the office. Before being allowed to pick up their phone at the end of the day, students must discuss and review the cell phone policy with a staff member. A notation will be made in the student's school record. Refusal to give up the phone will automatically result in a 3rd violation.
3rd Violation: Phone will be confiscated and turned into the office. The student’s parent or guardian will be contacted and informed of the refusal to follow the school’s cell phone policy. A parent or guardian will be required to pick up the confiscated item.
Subsequent Violations: Phone will be confiscated, turned into the office. The student’s parent or guardian will be contacted and informed of the refusal to follow the school’s cell phone policy. A parent or guardian will be required to pick up the confiscated item. The student and family may be asked to complete an electronic device contract and the phone/earbuds will not be allowed on campus.
If you have any questions about the change to the ESD/EHS Cell Phone policy, please contact Dr. Merrell at rodrick_merrell@enumclaw.wednet.edu.
