Blue Jay Bulletin - October 2021
A Bird's Eye View of News From Our District
Kephart Communications
School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart's monthly message to families.
No School October 22, 28-29
This is a reminder there will be no school for students on Friday, October 22, for a staff professional development and work day. There will be no school for students on Thursday, October 28, for a Staff PLC Day and Parent Teacher Conferences. There's no school for students and staff on Friday, October 29.
Board of Education Votes in Favor of
Color-Coded Masking Protocol

The School District of Washington’s Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday evening, September 13, at the Technology and Learning Center.

The Board voted in favor that beginning on Monday, September 20, the District will follow a color-coded protocol chart that will keep masks optional for buildings in the district that are not being overwhelmed by positive cases and quarantines, but also make masks required for staff and students during a period of 14 days for buildings that have a high percentage of positive cases and quarantines. The ultimate goal is to continue with in-person learning.
WINGS Hall of Honor Banquet
The School District of Washington’s WINGS Educational Foundation inducted its 12th class into the Hall of Honor on Saturday, September 25, at the Washington Elks.

The Hall of Honor was initiated in 2009 to recognize alumni, former educators, and community contributors who have shown exceptional personal, community or professional achievement.
Washington High School Homecoming Week
Takes Place October 4-9
Homecoming Week at Washington High School is October 4-9.

The Homecoming football game is scheduled for Friday, October 8. The football Blue Jays take on Francis Howell North at 7 p.m. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Botanical Bliss.”
Marching Blue Jays Place First at Sullivan; Host Band Festival
The Washington High School Band, “The Pride of Washington” competed at the Sullivan Band Competition on Saturday,” September 25, at Sullivan High School.

In the preliminaries, the Blue Jays captured first-place honors in their division and also were first place overall in all divisions while capturing the award for best visual and best general effect.

Washington High School kept it going in the finals, placing first overall while again claiming best visual and best general effect.
Bell From Fifth Street Elementary Moved to Washington Historical Society Museum
The historic bell from the old Fifth Street Elementary now has a new home at the Washington Historical Society Museum.

When Fifth Street Elementary closed following the 2014-15 school year, not only did the students re-locate to Washington West Elementary, but the bell did as well.

The large and heavy bell recently moved again, this time re-locating to the Washington Historical Society.
Augusta Elementary Students Participate in Scarecrow Display
Sixth-grade and special education students at Augusta Elementary made scarecrows for the Augusta Harvest Festival Scarecrow Contest.

Businesses and residents throughout Augusta are displaying their scarecrows outside on their property to be judged by members of the Augusta Harvest Festival committee.
Washington West Elementary
Named One of Best Elementary Schools in St. Louis Area
School Sparrow, a public school ranking website covering large metropolitan areas in the United States, recently published the Top 12 Best Elementary Schools in the St. Louis Area.

Washington West Elementary from the School District of Washington was No. 11 on the list.
Superintendent Advisory Teams Developing
Superintendent Advisory Teams are being created to advise the Superintendent and District leadership staff on topics related to the strategic goals of the District.

Partnership with parents, staff, and student representatives provides an important voice in the District’s decision-making, planning, and implementation process while continuing to be transparent in the current and future work of the District.