Schools

1st Day Of School For Most Lake Washington Students Wednesday

The school year begins Wednesday for first through 12th graders in the Lake Washington School District. Here are a few things to know.

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Lake Washington's first through 12th graders return to class Wednesday, followed by younger learners next week.
Lake Washington's first through 12th graders return to class Wednesday, followed by younger learners next week. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

REDMOND, WA — Washington's second-largest school district begins the journey back to the classroom Wednesday, as first through 12th graders around Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish kick off a new school year. Families with kindergartners have "Family Connection Meetings" scheduled through Friday, and the district's youngest learners will see a staggered return to the classroom starting after Labor Day.

Key dates for the Lake Washington School District (2021):

  • Sept. 1: First day of school (grades 1 - 12)
  • Sept. 6: Labor Day
  • Sept. 7 - 9: Staggered start for kindergartners
  • Sept. 9: First day of preschool.
  • Oct. 16: No school (LEAP Day)
  • Nov. 11: Veterans Day
  • Nov. 25: Half day
  • Nov. 26 - 27: Thanksgiving break
  • Dec. 21 - Jan. 1: Winter break

Like neighboring districts across King County and the state, Lake Washington will have layered COVID-19 precautions in place to help guard against infections and outbreaks, including ventilation upgrades, physical distancing measures and mandatory indoor masking for students and staffers. Per the governor's orders, teachers and educators must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18.

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While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for K-12 students to attend class, officials encourage shots for students 12 and older, who are currently eligible. Lake Washington students are also encouraged to complete a daily wellness screening.

A federal waiver means school meals will be provided to all students free of charge through the 2021-22 school year. Families in need are encouraged to complete free and reduced meal applications anyway, since they may also qualify for added benefits.

Find out what's happening in Redmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Though the enrollment window is closed for online learning options, families who are interested may still apply to get on the waitlist.

Lake Washington families can learn more about what to expect this school year on the district's website, including:

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