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Principal's Office

August 15, 2025

Dear Rainier Elementary Families,

The countdown is on and school is almost back in session!  We can’t wait to see our students walking through the front doors again! I hope your summer was filled with fun and relaxation.

Our staff has been busy preparing for a great year ahead.  Class placements will be available in Skyward as follows:

  • Grades 1 to 5 will be posted on Friday, August 22, after 3:30 pm.
  • Kindergarten will be posted on Monday, August 25 after 3:30 pm.

A great deal of thought goes into these decisions, taking into account academics, behavior, friendships, and learning styles so that every student is set up for success.  Due to the need to balance class sizes, we are unable to accommodate parent requests.  Please know that our team of highly qualified teachers has thoughtfully placed each student to help them thrive both academically and socially.

We are also excited to welcome new members to our Rainier team:

  • Cassie Gladsjo, Elementary Counselor
  • Deveraux Hackethal, SPED Teacher
  • Paul Minor Weeks, SPED/Preschool Teacher

Please join us for our K- 5 Open House on Wednesday, August 27.  This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, drop off supplies, explore classrooms, and connect with our specialists and office staff.  We will also have a free BBQ hotdog feed on the football field. Come hungry!

I can’t wait for the first day of school to hear about summer adventures, meet new families, and reconnect with familiar faces.  Thank you for helping make Rainier Elementary such a special place for students to learn and grow.

If you have any questions, please email meldrumr@rainier.wednet.edu or call 360 446 4020. Our office is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Here’s to another fantastic year together!

Sincerely,
Rita Meldrum, Principal
Rainier Elementary School

Release Times:

  • End of Day Release: 2:50 pm
  • Wednesday Early Release: 1:50 pm
  • Early Departure Half Days: 11:35 am

Start Dates:

  • Office Opens: Monday, August 18 from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • First Day for Grades 1 to 5: Tuesday, September 2
  • First Day for Kindergarten: Friday, September 5

 Important Links:

Mark Your Calendar:

  • August 21: Kindergarten Cougar Camp and Parent Meeting
  • August 27: Open House and BBQ
  • September 10: Wednesday Early Release Starts, please see the District Calendar
  • September 26: School Pictures

Breakfast and Lunch:
Breakfast and lunch are free for all K to 5 students this year. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 8:20 am. Please complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.

Morning Drop Off:

  • School opens for drop off at 8:00 am. Please keep your child in your vehicle until staff signal.
  • Students enter through the front doors.
  • Parking lot is one way; use curbside lane and exit to the left.
  • Pull forward to keep traffic moving and have backpacks and coats ready.
  • Students exit on the passenger side next to the sidewalk.
  • Do not stop on the crosswalk or exit your vehicle.

Afternoon Pick Up:

  • Stay in your vehicle unless you are walking to the flagpole area for pick up.
  • No dogs in the pickup area unless they are service dogs.
  • Traffic flows one way; use the curbside lane and exit to the left.
  • Pull forward as space opens and pick up promptly to keep the line moving.
  • Students will enter on the passenger side.
  • Keep the passenger window down for communication.
  • Place a sign with your student’s name in the passenger window to help speed up the process.