Washington Evening Journal
http://washington-ia.villagesoup.com/p/washington-community-schools/100336

For current news, you’ll want to visit our great website!  We keep it updated for YOU!

www.washington.k12.ia.us

Mission Statement

The mission of the WCSD, in partnership with family and community, is to prepare for lifelong learning and productive membership in a global society by continually providing educational opportunities for the individual’s total development.

Progressive Visualization for the Future

• Washington has been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America- we are proud of our community! 
  • Enjoy a friendly small town ambiance with proximity to larger metro areas!
• Our vibrant & visionary school district is integral to the Washington community.  
  • Largest school district in Washington County; 75^th largest high school of 395 in Iowa
  • We offer students the benefits of a large school with the quality of life of a small town.
• Innovative Technology both in the classroom & administrative use.
  • New Disk Based Backup System for the districts electronic information (2010)
  • Route buses are equipped with digital camera systems (2010)
  • Pursuing a 1:1 Computer-to-Student Ratio (current= 1:2½)
  • Improvements of high speed wireless network (2010)
  • 56 classrooms are media enabled & wired for surround sound
  • Usage of document cameras; Usage/ piloting: ETextbooks/ E Sony Readers/ iPads
• Commitment to Diversity
  • Full-time Bilingual Outreach Coordinator on-site; assists non-English speaking students/families (K-12)
  • Individualized Advanced Spanish classes after Spanish IV/ Heritage Language Classes
  • 3 English Language Learner (ELL) Specialists
  • Cross Cultural Awareness activities/ training of staff
• Advancements in Energy Efficiency 
  • Geothermal
  • Upgraded heating/ cooling/ windows/ lighting in many of our schools.
• Modern Physical Fitness advantages
  • H.S. Baseball/ Softball Hitting Facility (2009)
  • Updated Weight Room (2006)
  • High School Softball Fields (2010)
  • Outdoor track (Case Field) open for community use (resurfaced 2006)
• Dedication to students: GREAT curriculum & program offerings!
  • Over 40% of our teachers have a Master’s Degree

District Information

• Class 3A, Southeast Conference
• Enrollment: approx 1720 students
• WCSD Employees: approx 260
• District covers 208 square miles: centered in Washington County & a small portion of Jefferson Co. incl. cities of Washington and Brighton.
• Class Scheduling: HS- 4 terms/yr, 4 blocks; JH- 4 terms/yr, 5 blocks; Elem- trimester schedule
• Transportation: a well maintained fleet of 19 buses runs 10 regular bus routes & 1 special needs route.   Transports approx 700 students/ day.  10 route buses shuttle between each building & transport students living in Washington across town to their assigned attendance centers.  3 buses dedicated to activity trips.
• Food Service: approx 88% students eat hot lunch daily.  Daily on -site preparation of food in each attendance center with breakfast program, salad bar and a la carte items offered.

Learning Goals of WCSD:

• Global society participation in a productive/ responsible manner
• Lifetime interests/ ability development through complex, critical & creative thinking
• Effective reading, writing, communicating & mathematical skills
• Concern & respect for self/ others and the changes around us
• Establish personal goals with an understanding of adaptable/ flexible future anticipation
• Recognize humanity’s interrelationship with nature
• Understand & demonstrate experiences in technology
• Comprehend economic planning & personal finance
• Ability to plan, achieve/ maintain sound mental & physical fitness
• Art appreciation & experiences