Welcome Back to the 2026-2027 School Year!
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We hope you had a relaxing, enjoyable, and adventurous summer vacation filled with opportunities to recharge and make lasting memories with family and friends.
As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, we want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the emergency responders, firefighters, Washington Department of Natural Resources employees, and United States Forest Service staff who have worked tirelessly and courageously to combat the wildfires affecting communities across our state. Their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to public safety are deeply appreciated.
Our staff has been hard at work throughout the summer preparing for the return of students. Classrooms and buildings have been thoroughly cleaned, grounds improvements have been completed, and countless hours have been invested to ensure our schools are safe, welcoming, and ready for learning. We are excited to open our doors and begin another year of growth, achievement, and opportunity.
Campus Safety Improvements
Student safety remains one of our highest priorities. This summer, the district completed the installation of a new safety fence between the high school and district office complex. This improvement will help minimize unsupervised interaction between middle school students and public visitors while also creating a safer pathway between the high school and science labs.
As a result of these changes, elementary parents will now utilize the new visitor parking areas located closer to the elementary school. Parents should walk their elementary students along the designated bus-loading sidewalk to access the building.
The district has also applied for a COPS School Violence Prevention Program Grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. We anticipate hearing the results in October. If awarded, the grant would allow the district to further enhance campus security by:
• Expanding perimeter fencing coverage
• Installing controlled-access entry systems at school offices
Chris Schumaker
Superintendent (360) 274-6182
Nicole O’Rourke
High School Administrator
TVVA Admin. (360) 274-6132
Len Hiatt
Elementary Principal (360) 274-6142
~Community~ ~Integrity~ ~Humility~ ~Excellence~
• Adding secondary lockdown locks to classroom doors
• Equipping classroom teachers with wearable panic alarms
These improvements directly support Pillar Two of our Strategic Plan, which focuses on providing safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
Welcome New Staff
We are pleased to welcome several outstanding professionals to our learning community:
• Lillian Rincon-Johnson – Junior High Science Teacher
• Hayley Gorton – Title/LAP Teacher
• Nicole O'Rourke – Vice Principal, High School
• Jordan Ruggles – Head Football Coach
In addition, we have expanded our team with several new paraprofessionals, coaches, a bus technician, and a PBIS Interventionist to support student success.
We are also celebrating a special addition to our school family. A new little duckling has joined our learning community! Congratulations to Greg and Bailee Martin on the birth of baby Kimber. During Mrs. Martin's leave, Daryl Spinneberg will provide instruction in our Agriculture program through the end of January.
Academic Updates
This year marks our second year operating under the trimester schedule, and we remain committed to refining and improving the experience for students and families based on feedback and lessons learned.
Families are encouraged to carefully review the updated Middle and High School Student Handbook. Several important changes are being developed regarding graduation credit requirements and student community service expectations. Additional information will be shared as these changes are finalized.
High school students will also experience an extended daily homeroom period. This additional time will be dedicated to:
• Academic advising
• Progress and grade monitoring
• Goal setting
• Social-emotional learning
• Student support and intervention opportunities
Additionally, three late-start days have been scheduled throughout the school year: Nov. 30th, Jan. 4th, and April 13th. During these mornings, teachers will engage in professional learning and in-service work, while students will have opportunities to participate in enrichment activities.
Athletics and Activities
Fall sports practices begin August 19. Due to changing air quality conditions, we encourage families to regularly monitor district and high school Facebook pages for updates regarding practice schedules, modifications, and other important athletic announcements.
Staggered Start Schedule
This year, the district is implementing a staggered start to help students transition successfully into the new school year.
Elementary School
• August 26-28: Individual student and family introductory conferences
• August 31: First full day of school for all elementary students
Additional details will be shared in a letter from Mr. Hiatt.
Middle School and High School
• August 26: 6th Grade and 9th Grade Orientation Day
• August 27: First full day of school for all students in grades 6-12
Additional details will be shared in a letter from Mrs. O’Rourke.
School buses will operate on their normal schedules during these dates. -Bus Routes and times will be changing due to work on Tower Road; the Rock Creek Bridge replacement is scheduled to happen. Look on our Transportation Page for details. Further, new bus rules and expectations have been developed. Please review the New Transportation Rules located on our Transportation Page.
Looking Forward
As always, our mission is to serve students and support families. We value the trust you place in us each day and remain committed to providing a safe, engaging, and high-quality educational experience for every student.
Together, we will continue to build strong relationships, create meaningful learning opportunities, and help every student thrive. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to partnering with you throughout the journey.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the district or your child's school office.
Thank you for your continued support, and best wishes for a successful 2026-2027 school year.
~Community~ ~Integrity~ ~Humility~ ~Excellence~
Go Ducks!
Sincerely,
Chris Schumaker
Superintendent, Toutle Lake School District
