Washington Elementary School 🐾
From the desk of Dr. Tiffany Jacobson
September 18, 2026
What a great third week of school! This was our first week of mostly normal operations, and it was exciting to see classrooms fully engaged with their instructional programs and web-based learning materials.
While academic learning is well underway, our teachers are also intentionally teaching the learning routines and habits that help students become successful, independent learners. Across grades 1-5, students are practicing how to:
- Build independence and executive functioning by organizing materials, following multi-step directions, managing time, and transitioning efficiently.
- Strengthen social-emotional and behavioral skills by listening to others, taking turns, resolving small conflicts, and demonstrating kindness and respect.
- Develop reading lives by setting up reading journals, recording thinking, and reflecting on their reading.
- Navigate learning resources by learning how to effectively use textbooks, digital platforms, and other instructional materials.
- Learn through inquiry and experimentation by making predictions, testing ideas, observing results, and discussing what they discover.
- Build classroom community through daily Morning Meetings, where students connect, share, listen, and begin each day together.
These routines may look different across grade levels, but they all serve the same purpose: creating classrooms where students can focus on learning, grow in independence, and develop meaningful friendships.
We are proud of the way our Wildcats are settling into their classrooms and embracing the many ways we learn, grow, and care for one another each day!
Enjoy this week's photo gallery...
Universal Screening
A Message from the Office of Curriculum, Instruction & Programming
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the academic growth and the well-being of every student, the district conducts universal screenings at designated points throughout the school year. These brief assessments help our teachers to identify students’ strengths, monitor progress, and determine where additional support or enrichment may be beneficial. Families are encouraged to click on the Universal Screening Letter to learn more about the district’s screening process, assessment tools, and timelines for the 2026–2027 school year.
Pedestrian Safety
🚲 Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Reminder
As a reminder, the bicycle rack is located adjacent to the old playground and at the beginning of the drop-off car line. We ask that both motorists and cyclists remain especially alert and cautious in this area.
Students and family members riding bicycles should walk their bicycles once they arrive on school grounds and proceed cautiously. Bicycles may not be ridden or walked across the playground area; please walk around the playground instead. Cyclists and pedestrians should also never cross between vehicles. All crossings should take place at designated intersections with the assistance of our crossing guards.
Thank you for helping us keep our students and families safe during arrival and dismissal!
Playground Use Before School
As a reminder, District Policy 7513, Recreational Use of Playgrounds, permits residents to use school playgrounds outside of school hours, including immediately before the start of the school day. Please note that school supervision for morning arrival begins at 8:30 AM.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families.
Special Education Back to School Night
Picture Day: Save the date!
Picture Day is Friday, September 25! Students will have the opportunity to take both class and individual photographs during the school day. Package and payment information is linked below for families who would like to purchase photographs.
Online ordering is simple - visit www.bnlschoolpictures.com
Select "Order Portraits"
Enter code: 7G3U6Q7V
Walk/Bike to School Day: Oct 7
Washington School will participate in Walk/Bike to School Day on Wednesday, October 7! Families who walk or bike to school are invited to enter our raffle for a chance to be one of two special winners:
- 🏫 One winner will walk to school with Dr. J
- 🌟 One winner will walk to school with a designated town representative
Please submit your raffle entry by Friday, September 25 using the Walk/Bike to School Day Raffle Form.
We look forward to celebrating healthy, active transportation with our Washington families!
A Call for Wellness Proposals
Wellness In-Service Presenter Proposal Form: https://forms.gle/w4CyZyf7d5zVsaYB9
5th Grade Focus
This section of the newsletter will be used to communicate important information and reminders pertaining to fifth grade events.
Fairview Lake 5th Grade Overnight Trip
The deadline for completing the permission slip and submitting payment is Tues, Sep 22nd.
Observances
Yom Kippur
Important Dates
September
21: No school
22: Special Education Back to School Night @ Edison Intermediate School
25: Individual and class photos | First Grade Family Fun Night (rain date 10/1)
October
1: National Physical Therapy Month | National Principal's Month
2: Custodian's Day
6: EZ Ride Assembly for G2 Students
7: National Walk to School Day
8-9: G5 Fairview Lake Trip
12: School Closed | Staff In-Service
14: Saint Joe's Collection
22: Fall Parent Social
30: Halloween Parade
