Click the "translate" icon in the upper right corner for additional languages

Haga clic en el icono "traducir" en la esquina superior derecha para español

Dear Enumclaw School District Community,

2024-25 School Year Begins

Happy New School Year, and welcome! The staff and I are so happy to have your children back at school again! As has been the case for the more than 30 years that I have been an educator working in schools, these first few days are always the most exciting days of the school year! 

There were several traditions observed this year, along with a few new additions to how we serve the students of the Enumclaw School District. 

Enumclaw Rotary Club's tradition of handing out new pencils to each student at our elementary schools continues to bring smiles to the faces of our students. This small gesture continues to make a big impact on students, setting them up for a successful first day of the school year.

New to Enumclaw High School this year, our incoming ninth-grade students were able to learn what it means to be a high school student while having the school and staff to themselves on their first day. The staff created an environment that limited the stress of navigating a new environment for our freshmen, allowing them to feel comfortable in their new school that will be “home” for the next four years.

As superintendent, I had the pleasure of being a part of both of these experiences at Westwood Elementary and Enumclaw High School. Pride and joy are simple words that do not fully convey the strong feelings I experienced as another school year began for me. It continues to be my pleasure and honor to serve as the superintendent of the Enumclaw School District.

Sincerely,

Shaun

Visit our Back-To-School Resource Hub for the 2024-25 school year!

The Back-To-School Resource Hub on our website has returned for the 2024-25 school year, which includes a variety of important information to help you as you start the new school year.

VISIT OUR BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE PAGE

CALENDAR AND START/DISMISSAL TIMES

Starting this fall, we will be enforcing board policy 3245 and our schools will no longer allow student cell phones or personal earbuds/headphones during instructional periods throughout the school day.

ESD Board Policy 3245: Students and Telecommunication Devices

ESD Board Policy Procedure 3245P

Grades 9-12:

EHS recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following:

• Cell phones/earbuds shall be TURNED OFF when entering the classroom.

• Cell phones/earbuds shall be kept in a student’s backpack or a teacher-approved storage location in the classroom – not in clothing pockets.

• Cell phones/earbuds are not allowed to be used in classrooms, the Library/Media Center, common learning areas, or restrooms during any instructional periods throughout the school day.

• Cell phones/earbuds can be turned on ONLY during non-instructional times throughout the school day (before school, during passing periods, at break, lunch, and after school).  *If a student needs to make an emergency call during instructional time, they are to come up to the office.

Grades 6-8:

EMS and TMMS recognize the importance of communication and collaboration and provide devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, our middle schools enforce the following:

• Cell phones/earbuds are not allowed from 8:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. (EMS) or

  8:10 a.m.- 2:40 p.m (TMMS)

• Cell phones/earbuds shall be kept in the student’s locker.

• Cell phones/earbuds are not allowed during non-instructional times throughout the school day (during passing periods or lunch). 

• Cell phones/earbuds are allowed before school and after.       

• If a student needs to make a call, they can do so at the office.

• If parents need to get a message to their student, they can call the school office, and our staff will deliver the message to the student. 

Grades PK-5:

Elementary schools will continue to enforce this policy as stated in the elementary student handbook: All cell phones, iPods, cameras and other electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight during the school day, unless under the supervision of a staff member. If a student wears a watch phone, it should not be used for communication, recording, or games. After the second misuse, watch phones will need to be turned off and put in the backpack during the school day.

As always, we understand that our students have individualized needs and will provide accommodations as necessary or required on an individual basis.

WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS CHANGE

Cell phone usage in classrooms has significantly changed the dynamics of the learning environment and student behavior. For the past twenty years in the Enumclaw School District, we have been permissive in allowing students to bring their own devices and access them during the school day. However, our middle and high school educators and administrators have observed and shared various challenges that have prompted a reevaluation of our school cell phone practices.

This decision aims to foster a more focused and engaging learning environment free from distractions. Additionally, it is grounded in research that indicates that unrestricted cell phone usage in schools is linked to lower academic performance and student well-being. The surgeon general has also stated that social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. We believe this change will benefit our students academically and socially.

• Increase engagement and academic performance

• Promote connection

• Reduce distractions

• Improve social interactions

• Decrease anxiety and other negative impacts on mental health

• Set our students up to succeed

HOW ARE WE IMPLEMENTING THIS CHANGE

We understand that this may require some adjustments. We can assure you that we are placing our emphasis as a district on building relationships and focusing on learning rather than punishment. Our middle schools and high school will begin the school year with a two-week grace period that will include teaching lessons on why the change is being made and communicating expectations and consequences. Full implementation will begin September 13th. More detailed information will be shared by your school in the coming weeks. We appreciate your support and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your school administration.

PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES

Our goal is to work collaboratively with families, teachers, and staff supported by clear, well-enforced policies and accessible resources to ensure our students thrive both academically and emotionally. To view additional research and family resources, please visit our website: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/article/1735199

Our next Regular Board Meeting is Monday, September 16, 2024.

You will find the Agenda posted 48 hours prior to the meeting on our School Board web page.

Enumclaw School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 RCW Officer

Civil Rights ComplianceCoordinator

Stephanie Berryhill

2929 McDougall Ave.

Enumclaw, WA 98022

360.802.7113

stephanie_berryhill@enumclaw.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Carolyne Zieske

2929 McDougall Ave.

Enumclaw, WA 98022

360.802.7104

carolyne_zieske@enumclaw.wednet.edu