Welcome to Washington Elementary!

September 2026

 Dear Parents and Guardians,

The first day of school is almost here! We’re excited to welcome our returning families and extend a warm welcome to those new to Washington Elementary.

IMPORTANT UPDATES:

Under new Idaho law, House Bill 623, all public schools are required to provide a minimum 60-second period of silence at or near the beginning of each school day for students in all grade levels. The law also directs schools to encourage parents and guardians to provide guidance to their students on how to spend this time in silence, as school staff are not permitted to direct students on how to use the time.

We ask that you have a conversation with your children before the school year begins and let them know how you would like them to use this time, whether reflecting, meditating, praying, reading or another silent activity of your family’s choosing.

Under new Idaho law, House Bill 822, if a student requests to be called a different name or pronoun that is not their legal name or a common derivative of it, school staff are required by law to notify a parent or guardian within 72 hours.

If you have already approved a preferred name for your student, that name will appear on class rosters and does not require additional approval. Students and staff will be informed of the new requirements so students understand when a request will result in parent/guardian notification.

Morning Routine

• 7:30 a.m. Playground supervision & breakfast begin
  
  

• 7:53 a.m. First bell – students line up outside (extra staff will help the first week; teachers will hold signs on day one)
  
  

• 7:55 a.m. Students enter the building
  
  

• 8:00 a.m. School starts
  
  

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Review your child’s end-of-day plan with them and their teacher
  
  

• Erie Street becomes one-way for pick-up – staff will walk your child to your car (no need to get out)
  
  

• Full dismissal details will go home on the first day
  
  

Communication – Always on Thursdays

• 1st Thursday: Principal’s newsletter
  
  

• 3rd Thursday: School newsletter
  
  

• Every Thursday: Corrected class work in the red/ maroon back and forth folder + community flyers by email
  
  

We hope this consistent schedule makes school communication simple and easy for all families.

We can’t wait for a great year ahead!

~ Tassia Hamer 

   Principal