WESD e-news: May 24, 2024
A Message from WESD Superintendent Dr. Paul Stanton
Greetings WESD Families and Staff,
It is Dr. Paul Stanton again, and it is a privilege to serve as Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). As we reflect on this past school year, it had many successes and challenges. We overcame those challenges together and will continue to do so with each other. It really does take a village, and I am thankful you are all a part of our WESD Family. I hope you take this summer to rest, relax and rejuvenate as we prepare to welcome students back for the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, August 5th.
In today’s e-news, you will find spotlights of our eighth-grade promotions, May SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff, school highlights at the May 9th Governing Board meeting, virtual art show, and end-of-the-year concerts, as well as reminders about our free summer meals and enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. At the end of this message, you will see ways you can continue to follow us throughout the summer. We will attempt to post a story about our staff or students daily.
WESD Celebrates Class of 2024
Congratulations to the WESD Class of 2024. It was a special and memorable time for our eighth-grade students as they were each celebrated during their promotion ceremonies. If you missed a promotion ceremony, or would like to relive the special event, please click here to find the YouTube channel for your child’s school and check out their posted videos. We wish our students the best in high school. We know that they will continue to do amazing things as they continue on their journey, and know that they will always be a part of the WESD Family.
To watch some highlights of our promotion ceremonies from across the district, please view the video below.
Congratulations to the May SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff
It was an honor to surprise this last group of SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff last week at Cactus Wren Elementary School, Manzanita Elementary School, Palo Verde Middle School and Roadrunner Elementary School. To thank them for their achievements and contributions, I presented the deserving recipients with certificates, awards and gift cards.
SUPER Kids served as an opportunity to celebrate the students that do not always get recognized while SUPER Staff was a chance to honor some of the unsung heroes of the district who make a positive impact each day.
To view more photos of the May 2024 SUPER Kids and SUPER Staff, please click here.
Alta Vista, Cactus Wren and Ocotillo Share Highlights at May 9th Governing Board Meeting
This year, the WESD Governing Board set a special goal to have each school come to a Board meeting and share what makes them special. The final group of schools took the spotlight prior to the May 9th Board meeting including Alta Vista Elementary School, Cactus Wren Elementary School and Ocotillo Elementary School. Each school was introduced by their Administrative Coach, Rich Morris.
To watch the schools’ shared highlights on YouTube, please click here.
Check Out the Virtual Art Show
The 2023-2024 Virtual Art Show is now live on the WESD website for all to enjoy. Each school has a digital gallery of student-created art, which includes pieces that demonstrate the art standards from each grade level. Thank you to all of the art teachers for organizing these exciting virtual galleries and guiding our young artists through the learning process. In case you missed it, the art from the Middle Level Art Showcase is also accessible in the virtual art show.
Please click here to check out the virtual art show. Great job to all of our student artists for displaying their talents and creativity.
Students Perform in End-of-the-Year Concerts
It was a month filled with beautiful musical performances as our band, choir, vocal, orchestra and instrumental students participated in their end-of-the-year concerts and festivals. The WESD Family is proud of all of our talented students and appreciates their commitment to music education. Thank you to all of our incredible music teachers for their support.
WESD Provides Free Summer Meals for Children
The WESD is proud to offer free summer meals once again this year from May 28th to June 20th. Free breakfast and lunch meals for all children and teenagers up to 18 years old will be available at multiple WESD schools. No application or registration is needed. All meals must be consumed on-site. Please click here or see the image below to view specific dates and times for each school. For more information, please contact the WESD Nutrition Services Department at 602-896-5235.
Now Enrolling for the 2024-2025 School Year
Your child’s path to success begins here. The WESD is currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. Our dedicated teachers and staff help create learning environments where students are valued and supported. With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD is also proud to be a Top 20 school district in the country in student growth. The WESD also accepts open enrollment for students who live outside the district wishing to attend our schools. To learn more and enroll today, please click here.
And Finally,
We are always here to listen to feedback from our families, staff and community. If you have a question, concern, comment or even a kudos, please share it with us through our We’re Listening tool. You will hear back from a staff member in a timely manner. Please click here to submit your feedback.
Although this school year is over, we will continue to share positive news and updates throughout the summer. Be sure to follow us on all of our social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn. To view a list of all of our schools’ social media pages, please click here.
We are truly grateful for you. Thank you for choosing the WESD.