Welcome to Kindergarten!

Dear Kindergarten Families,

Welcome to the Sedro-Woolley School District!

Starting kindergarten is one of life's biggest milestones—not just for children, but for parents and caregivers as well. Whether this is your first child entering school or you're adding another student to your family's journey, we're honored you've chosen to trust us with your child's education.

At Sedro-Woolley, we believe every child deserves to feel welcomed, supported and excited to learn. Our teachers and staff work hard to create classrooms where students feel safe, build friendships, discover new interests and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Kindergarten is about so much more than learning letters and numbers. It's where children begin building confidence, independence, curiosity and the relationships that help them thrive throughout their school years.

This guide is designed to help your family prepare for the first day of school and answer many of the questions you may have. You'll find important dates, registration reminders, transportation information, school meals, open houses and other resources to help make the transition to kindergarten as smooth as possible.

We know beginning school is a big step, and we're committed to partnering with you every step of the way. Together, we'll help your child build a strong foundation for a successful future.

Welcome to the Sedro-Woolley School District family. We can't wait to meet your kindergartner!

Sincerely,

Brett Greenwood
Superintendent
Sedro-Woolley School District

Kindergarten meets all day every day.

Monday - Tuesday & Thursday - Friday
9:10 - Doors Open
9:25 - Class Starts
3:30 - Class Dismissed

Late-Start Wednesdays
10:10 - Doors Open
10:25 - Class Starts
3:30 - Class Dismissed

*Wednesdays with no late start: November 25 and June 9.

Early Release Days - November 5, 6, 9 & 10; November 25; March 18 & 19

9:10 - Doors Open
9:25 - Class Starts
12:30 - Class Dismissed

Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone, and we want to make your child's transition to school as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Kindergarten Screenings
Some elementary schools with multiple kindergarten classrooms will schedule kindergarten screenings before the school year begins. These screenings help staff learn more about your child and support thoughtful classroom placement. If your child's school conducts screenings, you'll receive information from the school in mid- to late August with instructions for scheduling an appointment.

WAKIDS Family Connections
Every kindergarten family will participate in WAKIDS Family Connections before the first day of school. During this individual appointment, you and your child will meet teachers, visit the classroom, share information about your child, ask questions, and begin building a relationship with your child's teacher.

These conversations help teachers get to know each child as an individual and create a positive, welcoming start to the school year. They are an important part of your child's transition to kindergarten, so please make plans to attend your scheduled appointment.

Watch for more information from your child's school in August, including appointment details for screenings (if applicable) and WAKIDS Family Connections.

If you missed kindergarten registration in April, it's not too late to register for the 2026-2027 school year! Visit your child's neighborhood school! Most schools' secretaries will be back in the building by August 18, with the exception of Samish which will have an opening day of August 20.

To complete registration, make sure the school has the following:

✅ Birth certificate

✅ Immunization records

✅ Proof of residency

Call Your School Office:

• Big Lake: 360-855-3525

• Clear Lake: 360-855-3530

• Central: 360-855-3560

• Evergreen: 360-855-3545

• Lyman: 360-855-3535

• Mary Purcell: 360-855-3555

• Samish: 360-855-3540

As we prepare for the new school year, now is a great time to make sure you have the Sedro-Woolley School District app installed on your phone.

The district app is the easiest way to stay informed with school news, alerts, calendars and announcements. In addition, more and more of our teachers are using Rooms within the app to communicate directly with families, making it easier to receive classroom updates and messages in one convenient place.

Download the free app today:

Apple (iPhone/iPad): https://apple.co/3pG1BRD

Google Play (Android): https://bit.ly/44ni0cx

Don't miss important messages

To receive notifications when your student's teacher or school sends a message, please take a moment to check your notification settings.

Turn on app (push) notifications

• When you first open the app, tap Allow when prompted.
• If you previously skipped that step:
  • iPhone: Go to Settings → search for the Sedro-Woolley School District app → Notifications → turn on Allow Notifications.
  • Android: Go to Settings → Notifications → App notifications → select the Sedro-Woolley School District app → turn notifications on.

Choose how you receive notifications
Open the app and tap More (bottom menu) → Settings (gear icon) → Notification Preferences.

You can choose to receive notifications by:

• Push notifications through the app
• Email
• Text message

You can also choose whether text messages are delivered instantly or as an hourly or daily digest.

Watch for a Rooms invitation

The district will send invitation emails to guardians who have not yet activated their Rooms accounts. If you receive an invitation, simply follow the instructions in the email to activate your account and begin receiving teacher and school communications through the app.

If you've already activated your Rooms account, you should not receive another invitation. However, if one does happen to arrive in your inbox, we apologize for the inconvenience. You can simply disregard the email—your account is already set up and no further action is needed.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep communication simple, timely and accessible. We look forward to another great school year!

If your child needs school bus transportation for the upcoming school year, please complete the form linked below.

Our Transportation Department will begin reviewing submissions and reaching out to families starting in mid-August to confirm bus routes and schedules.

Please be sure to include all pickup and drop-off information (including daycare details if applicable) so we can plan accordingly.

👉 Click here to fill out the Transportation Form

Questions? Call the transportation office at 360-855-3504 after August 3.

Or email: jzimmerman@swsd101.org

Sending your child to kindergarten is a big milestone, and we know many families are trusting a school with their child for the first time. One of the ways we help keep students safe is by using the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a nationally recognized system that gives students, staff and first responders a common language during emergencies.

You may hear your child mention one of these safety terms throughout the school year:

• Hold – Stay in the classroom while hallways are cleared.
• Lockout – A situation outside the school requires the building to be secured, but learning continues inside.
• Lockdown – Used when there is a potential threat inside or immediately around the school. Students move out of sight, remain quiet and follow their teacher's directions.
• Evacuate – Move safely to another location.
• Shelter – Take protective action during severe weather or another environmental emergency.

Students and staff practice these procedures throughout the year so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs. These drills are conducted in age-appropriate ways to help children build confidence rather than fear.

Stay Connected During Emergencies

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is make sure we can reach you.

The Sedro-Woolley School District sends emergency notifications by email, text message and phone for situations such as school emergencies, weather-related schedule changes, power outages and other important safety information.

Please:

• Verify your phone numbers and email addresses are current with your child's school.
• Make sure you are opted in to receive text messages.
• Please do not unsubscribe from district emails. During an emergency, email is one of our primary ways to provide families with timely, accurate updates.

You can learn more about our Standard Response Protocol, view parent resources and download the family guide at:

https://sedrowoolleywa.sites.thrillshare.com/page/standard-response-protocol

August 20 - New Staff Orientation
August 25 - Transportation In-Service
August 26 - All school Kick-Off (certificated staff & para staff contracted)
August 26–27 - All certificated & para staff contracted (building-directed staff development)
August 27 - Food Service Back-to-School meeting
August 28 - All certificated staff contracted (building-directed staff development)

September 1 First Day of School for Students in Grades 1–12
September 4 First Day of School for Kindergarten students
September 7 No School in observance of Labor Day
September 14 First Day of Good Beginnings Preschool

October 1 First Day of Transition to Kindergarten (TTK)

November 5 & 6 Early Dismissal for TTK-6 Only — Conferences
November 9 & 10 Early Dismissal Days for All Schools — Conferences (November 9)
November 11 No School in observance of Veterans Day
November 25 Early Dismissal Day for All Schools
November 26 and 27 Thanksgiving break — No School

December 21 – January 1 Winter break — No School

January 1 New Year's Day - No School
January 18 No School in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 27 No School - Semester Transition Day

February 15 No School in observance of Presidents’ Day

March 18 & 19 Early Dismissal Days for All Schools
March 22 No School/Possible make-up day for inclement weather

April 5–9 Spring Break — No School

May 28 No School/Possible make-up day for inclement weather
May 31 No School in observance of Memorial Day

June 14 Last Day of School for Good Beginnings Preschool students
June 15 Last Day of School for Students in Grades K–11 (Early Dismissal: Schools in session for 2 hours)
June 18 All offices closed in observance of Juneteenth

Professional Development Wednesdays 1-hour late start all schools
Every Wednesday except holidays/non-school days and early dismissal days: November 25 and June 9

Good Beginnings Preschool Non-School Days
Every Friday, official holidays and PD days
November 5, 6, 9, 10, 25, 26
March 18

Early Dismissal times:

CMS 10:45 a.m.
SSHS 10:50 a.m.
SWHS 11:00 a.m.
All Elementary Schools 12:30 p.m.

M, T, Th, F - All Elementary Schools
9:25 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

M, T, Th, F - Cascade Middle School
7:40 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

M, T, Th, F - Sedro-Woolley High School
7:55 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

M, T, Th, F - State Street High School
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Late-Start Wednesdays: All schools start one hour later (10:25, 8:40, 8:55, 8:00. There is no late-start on the following dates: November 25; June 9

The Sedro-Woolley School District Food Service Department is excited to offer all elementary school students one free breakfast and one free lunch during the 2026-27 school year. Free meals are able to be offered through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Meals for Washington Students (House Bill 1238). Students wanting to purchase a second meal need funds available on their food service account in Skyward. A second breakfast costs $3.00, and a second lunch costs $4.75. These prices are subject to change.

Although meals are offered at no cost, families may still qualify for Free/Reduced-price benefits based on household income by submitting a 2026-27 Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application (formerly referred to as a Free/Reduced-price Meal Application). CNEEB benefits are designated for families that fall under a specific income threshold determined by the USDA. If your student(s) qualify for CNEEB benefits, you may be eligible for a grocery benefit available through the Washington SUN Bucks summer EBT program. Submitting the CNEEB Application also helps ensure school funding is maintained for essential programs throughout the district.

If you currently have students enrolled in the district who qualify for free or reduced fees through the CNEEB Application, please note that your new Kindergartener will not automatically receive benefits without a 2026-27 CNEEB Application. To ensure your Kindergartener is receiving the associated benefits when school begins, the 2026-27 CNEEB Application should be completed prior to the first day of school. Only one application is needed per household, and should include all of your eligible students for the new school year.

Please note: The 2026-27 CNEEB Application will be available in August 2026.

August Open Houses

August 18 & 20 - Cascade Middle School Orientation
August 18: 12-6 p.m.
August 20: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fill out required paperwork, pick up schedule, pictures, Student ID, get information about athletics and tour the school.

August 24 & 25: Sedro-Woolley High School Back-to-Business Day
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Staff lunch 12:30-1:30); 1 :30 to 5:30 p.m.
All grade levels (school pictures/ASB cards/parking permit applications/schedule pick-ups (10-12th grade)/ Athletics/Medical Forms/ Demographic Forms (check current info and update with changes)

August 25- Samish Elementary School Open House & Ice Cream Social 6–7:30 p.m.
August 26 - Cascade Middle School Open House 5–6 p.m.
August 26 - Central Elementary School Open House 6–7 p.m.
August 26 - Evergreen Elementary School Open House 6–7:30 p.m.
August 26 - Mary Purcell Elementary School Kindergarten Orientation & BBQ, 6 p.m.
August 27 - State Street High School New Student Orientation & Open House 4–6 p.m.
August 27 - Clear Lake Elementary School Open House 5–6 p.m.
August 27 - Big Lake Elementary School Open House 5-6 p.m.
August 27 - Mary Purcell Elementary School Open House 6:15–7:15 p.m.
August 28: Sedro-Woolley High School 9th Grade Orientation 9–11:30 a.m. (Students should arrive at SWHS by 8:30 a.m.) Students will be with their advisory teacher and Cub Crew Mentors. Picture make-ups for all grades will be held from 11–3 p.m., along with back-to-business make-ups for all grades.

____________________________________

September Open Houses
September 9 - Sedro-Woolley High School Open House 5–6:30 p.m.
September 17 - Lyman Elementary School Back-to-School Parade (6-6:15 p.m.) & Open House (6:15–7 p.m.)

____________________________________

October Open Houses
October 15 - Good Beginnings Preschool Open House, 5:30–6 p.m.

Mark you calendars now to join us from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for our annual Reading & Resources Night on Thursday, August 20. This free community event offers students important back-to-school supplies, including free backpacks generously provided by Inspire Church. Families can also connect with local organizations and gather helpful resources and information to support student success throughout the school year.

Families are invited to a sensory-friendly playtime hosted by the Central Skagit Library in partnership with Skagit County Parent2Parent. This free, inclusive event provides a calm and welcoming space where children can explore, play, and socialize at their own pace. Children with sensory sensitivities, unique needs, and medical complexities are especially encouraged to attend.

When: First Thursday of each month, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Where: Central Skagit Library, 110 W. State St., Sedro-Woolley
Learn more / register: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcAphtQjv/

This is a great opportunity for families to connect and for children to enjoy a supportive, low-pressure play environment.

Sedro-Woolley Little League

In-person registration events are typically held in January each year.

For more information, please contact Sedro-Woolley Little League directly.

www.sedrowoolleylittleleague.com

Questions: sedrowoolleylittleleague@gmail.com

Club Hoop

Ages: Kindergarten-3rd grade

Contact: clubhoopk3@gmail.com

Gateway to Golf – Junior League

Join the league for a fun and supportive introduction to golf! Build skills, confidence, and friendships — no experience needed.

Questions? Email: gateway2golf@gmail.com

Skagit Valley Rugby Club

Skagit Valley Rugby Club is excited to welcome new players of all skill levels! Whether you’re in elementary, middle, or high school, now is the perfect time to join their growing team. Registration is officially open, and the club is looking for athletes eager to learn the game, improve their skills, and be part of a fun, supportive community. Don’t miss out—sign up today and be part of the action this season!

Every Kid Sports Pass

Apply today for the youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.

https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

Sedro-Woolley Youth Soccer Association

Registration for fall season is typically open each spring until May 31.

www.swyouthsoccer.com

Questions: swysa@hotmail.com

Phone : 360-969-2269

P.O. Box 22

Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

Northwest United Soccer

The club offers year round soccer for ages U9-U19 for both boys and girls, with all levels from recreational, select and premier teams and leagues.

https://www.nwunited.org

NW United Facebook

Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer

Registration typically is from early March until mid April for the fall season.

Practices typically start in early August.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Football and Cheer Questions: contact@swyfl.org

SWISH

For the Girls SWISH Basketball League (4th-8th Grades), contact Autumn Trannum: (autumnetrannum@gmail.com).

For the Boys SWISH Basketball League (3rd-8th Grades) contact: (woolleyclubhoop@gmail.com).

Skagit Valley Flyers Lacrosse

This program offers grades K-12 an opportunity to be introduced to and taught about the amazing sport of lacrosse. The Flyers offer boys, girls and coed programs.

For more information, email svflyers2009@gmail.com.

Flyer Facebook Group

Instagram: @skagitvalleyflyerslacrosse

Website

Sedro-Woolley SteelClaw Youth Wrestling Club

Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco wrestling. The club accepts both male and female wrestlers.

Questions: swsteelclawwrestling@gmail.com

Steelclaw Facebook

**Please note that most youth sports are run by volunteer boards of directors. Coaches are most often fellow parents and there is a significant referee shortage amongst almost every sport. Volunteering to coach or training to become a referee is one of the best opportunities a parent or guardian has to stay involved in their child's life through various stages of development!

Have an update on youth sports contact information? Email swsdcoms@swsd101.org with the updated information!

Students, parents and community members can also use the alternative methods below.

App: Search for “SafeSchools Alert” in the App Store to download for free.

Phone or text to: 1-855-764-8877

Email: 1376@alert1.us

District ID Code: 1376

The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,200 students We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.

Email: swsdcoms@swsd101.org
Website: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/
Location: 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
Phone: 360-855-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedroWoolleySchoolDistrict/

Superintendent — Brett Greenwood

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning — Brian Isakson

Exec. Director, Educational Support Services — Anthony Smith

Exec. Director, Human Resources & Student Support — Daniel Lee

Director of Curriculum & Instruction — John Slagle

Assistant Director of Finance — Amy Weppler

IT Director — Byron Haner 360-855-3587

Public Information Officer – Ruth Richardson

Transportation Director – Tracy Gugel 360-855-3504

Food Service Director – Allison Johnston 360-855-3515

Facilities & Maintenance Director – Michael Stephens (360) 855-3505

Monthly Board Meeting Dates: Second & Fourth Mondays at 6 p.m. or as publicized.

Location: 317 Yellow Lane, Sedro-Woolley (SSB) or as announced via the website.

For more information, please call: 360-855-3500, check local newspapers or the district website for meeting locations.