Washington November Update

Kindergarten students celebrated the 50th day of school with a sock hop and ice cream floats. Students also worked on math and literacy skills, as well as 50 second challenges, throughout the day.

WHITEWATER, WI — U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Elementary to its list of the 2025 Best Elementary Schools across the United States.

Washington earned a spot at no. 264 on the list (improving from no. 290 in 2024), which includes more than 78,000 schools nationwide. Nearly 1,000 of those schools are in Wisconsin.

The publication analyzed and ranked elementary schools’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language arts based on state assessment data. The rankings are not based on the test scores alone, as they also take into consideration local socioeconomic demographics. This two-part calculation ensures schools listed are serving all students.

“This is a recognition to be celebrated for our staff, students, and families of Washington Elementary,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “These results show the success of our teaching models and initiatives to make our schools more inclusive and equitable for all students. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to best prepare our students for their continued educational journey.”

“Having earned this award in three of the last four years, the honor is a testament to the incredible work and support our staff has provided students and their families. Overall academic achievement on the state assessment drives the recognition of schools for this award. Washington noted an increase in mathematics, reading, and language arts academic achievement this past school year,” said Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary Principal.

Washington Elementary scored 73.63 out of 100 overall. The school ranked 179 in reading proficiency and 551 in math proficiency, out of 1,002 Wisconsin schools.

Additionally, about 85 percent of Washington Elementary teachers have three or more years of experience. 42 percent of students scored at or above proficient in math and 52 percent of students scored at or above proficient in reading, compared to the state average of 40 and 37 percent, respectively.

To learn more about Washington Elementary’s ranking, please visit

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/wisconsin/washington-elementary-225107

Washington's 5th Grade Band held their first concert of the school year. There was a performance held during the school day for students and staff with an evening show for families. Way to go Eagles, way to go!

This fall, Washington hosted their first Girls on the Run team for 3rd-5th grade grade

Girls on the Run is a non profit organization that aims to help girls build confidence, recognize their unique talents, and reach their full potential. GOTR's programs use physical activity and discussions to help girls develop social, emotional, and physical skills. The program also aims to help girls address social expectations that may limit their health, confidence, and joy. The program includes a fun, experience-based curriculum that integrates running. It focuses on social-emotional learning and includes lessons on managing emotions, helping others, and making intentional decisions. At the end of the season, girls participate in a 5K to celebrate their hard work and gain a sense of accomplishment!

Our Washington Golden Girls team, coached by Mrs. Mane, Mr. Severson, and Mrs. Dunham, learned to be Mountain Movers this season as they gained strategies to take on any challenge - including running a 5K at American Family Field! We are so thankful for support from our PATT, our Whippet Cross Country girls team for running with us, and families/Running Buddies who supported our girls at the 5K. This team worked hard and we are so proud of them!

Keep an eye out for information on our spring season! We would love to see our team grow!

Quotes from parents:

“Thank you for giving my daughter this amazing opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful group of girls and build some great relationships with some really awesome coaches. She loved her time in the program greatly!”

“My daughter’s favorite days of the week quickly became the days she had Girls on the Run. Our coaches were patient and encouraging with all runners. Watching my daughter cross the finish line of the 5K was so exciting. She felt proud of herself and felt a great sense of accomplishment.”

Ms. Updike and Winston finished their certification process on Saturday 11/16/24 and are now officially members of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs! Currently, Winston visits Washington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Once he becomes comfortable with two days a week, we will transition to visits three days a week and continue working up to five days a week. Our new Eagle has been showered with love, belly scratches, and hugs, and has brought lots of joy to the students and staff in his short time here!

Phase one of Washington's outdoor mural has been completed and unveiled. Former Washington art teacher, Mareta Hale, has been the driving force behind this project. Many, many thanks go out to Ms. Hale for her hours of dedicated work!!!

Toppers Dough-Nation Night was held on November 6th. Washington PATT received $420.34! Thank you to everyone who ordered!

Thank you to those who helped by bringing items to the Thanksgiving Luncheon for staff during conferences. It was a big hit and very much appreciated!

There is no December PATT meeting. Our next meeting will be on January 8 at 6 PM in the LLZ.

The P.A.T.T sponsored Santa’s Workshop is a great opportunity for Washington students to surprise their loved ones with gifts that they buy on their own. On December 10 and 11 the library will be transformed into a store only for them. Gifts are priced from $.25 - $5.00. Students may bring no more than $15. Each student is receiving $1.00 in “Santa Cash” compliments of the P.A.T.T. More information will be sent home soon!

To volunteer for Santa’s Workshop please use the Sign up Genius link. We are also looking for wrapping paper and wrapping supplies donations.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044FA9AB23A2F49-53020104-santas#/