Whitson Elementary Newsletter

We are excited to share that Whitson Elementary School has been selected as the Best Public School by Best of the Gorge magazine! Thank you to everyone who voted and supported us throughout the process. This recognition truly reflects the heart of our school community and how proud I am to serve as your principal.

“Whitson Elementary School cultivates a positive learning environment. The dedicated staff value creating a welcoming space for all students and families, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging within our school community. Through strong academics, character development, and a focus on individual needs, Whitson Elementary continues to be a place where students are prepared for success both in school and beyond. Go Cubs!”

Todd McCauley
Principal, Whitson Elementary

Student safety and our ability to safely operate school buses to and/or from school is our top consideration when making weather related closures or delays. There are two ways WSVSD sends messages to staff and families about delays, closures, snow routes and other weather-related decisions: emails and text messages.

WSVSD will communicate with families in their preferred language. If a family is not receiving information from their student’s school or, if family contact information has changed, please notify their student's school office.

If staff and/or families “opted out” of receiving information from WSVSD via text messages, you can choose to opt back in by texting the word “start” to 98900.

WSVSD also posts updates online:

Facebook: Connect with WSVSD at www.facebook.com/whitesalmonschools

WSVSD website: Go to www.wsvsd.org and look at the “live feed.”

Inclement weather protocols can be found on www.wsvsd.org/o/wsvsd/page/snow-closures

FlashAlert: Download the FlashAlert app for updates about closures and delays.

Snow Routes

WSVSD implements snow routes to enhance safety and maintain continuity of learning during winter weather. Snow routes will allow buses to stay on main roads that are more likely to be cleared and safe, minimizing the risks posed by ice or snow-covered back roads with the hope of improving safety for our buses and avoiding weather-related school closure.

Snow routes have been developed for families that live off of Snowden Road, and off the Cook-Underwood Highway. Families whose regular bus stops are affected will have designated alternative stops along these routes.

The pick-up and drop off times are posted to our webpage. Please follow this link to review.

Notification of when we will be using snow routes will be made in the same manner as our inclement weather notifications; which is outlined in this newsletter.

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of students and staff while adapting to winter conditions​.

4th Grade Music Program
Date: December 3

NO SCHOOL

Winter Break - December 22 - January 2

🥫 Need Food Assistance? We’re Here to Help!

If your family is in need of food support, WAGAP Food Bank can help.
They offer free food resources to families in our community.

📍 Location:115 W. Steuben, Bingen
📅 Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 - 3:30 (CLOSED 12-1 for lunch)
📞 Phone:Janeal Booren 509 493 2662, Ext 208
🌐 Website:wagap.org/food-banks-nutrition

All are welcome — no appointment needed.

Cold & Wet Weather
Remember, cold weather is upon us, please send your student to school, with hat, gloves, boots and coat. We will be going outside.

We have many items in the lost and found. If you're missing something, please remind your child to check here at school. Unclaimed items will be donated during Winter Break.