Welcome to Kindergarten!

Every school day matters, especially in kindergarten. Regular attendance helps children build strong routines, develop friendships, and gain the reading, math, and social skills that lay the foundation for future success. Arriving at school every day, on time, helps your child feel confident, connected, and ready to learn. Thank you for making attendance a priority and partnering with us to give your child the best possible start.

Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone, and we want to make your child's transition to school as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Kindergarten Screenings

Some elementary schools with multiple kindergarten classrooms will schedule kindergarten screenings before the school year begins. These screenings help staff learn more about your child and support thoughtful classroom placement. If your child's school conducts screenings, you'll receive information from the school in mid- to late August with instructions for scheduling an appointment.

WAKIDS Family Connections

Every kindergarten family will participate in WAKIDS Family Connections before the first day of school. During this individual appointment, you and your child will meet teachers, visit the classroom, share information about your child, ask questions, and begin building a relationship with your child's teacher.

These conversations help teachers get to know each child as an individual and create a positive, welcoming start to the school year. They are an important part of your child's transition to kindergarten, so please make plans to attend your scheduled appointment.

Watch for more information from your child's school in August, including appointment details for screenings (if applicable) and WAKIDS Family Connections.

Walla Walla Public Schools uses ParentSquare as the district's official communication platform to keep families informed and connected.

Be sure your contact information is up to date and activate your ParentSquare account to receive important school and district updates, emergency notifications, attendance messages, event reminders, and classroom communications, all in one convenient place.

Staying connected through ParentSquare helps ensure you never miss important information throughout the school year.

Parentsquare Registration

If your child needs school bus transportation for the upcoming school year, please visit the Transportation Department webpage to get started.

Transportation Department

Questions? Call the Transportation Department at (509) 526-1851

Sending your child to kindergarten is a big milestone, and we know many families are trusting a school with their child for the first time. One of the ways we help keep students safe is by using the Incident Command System protocol, a nationally recognized system that gives students, staff and first responders a common language during emergencies.

You may hear your child mention one of these safety terms throughout the school year:

• Evacuate – Exit building to a safe location.
• Lockdown – Used when there is a potential threat inside or immediately around the school. Students move out of sight, remain quiet and follow their teacher's directions.
• Secure – Stay in the classroom while hallways are cleared.
• Shelter – Take protective action during severe weather or another environmental emergency.
• Earthquake - Drop, Cover and Hold

Students and staff practice these procedures throughout the year so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs. These drills are conducted in age-appropriate ways to help children build confidence rather than fear.

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is make sure we can reach you. Walla Walla Public Schools sends emergency notifications by email, text message and phone for situations such as school emergencies, weather-related schedule changes, power outages and other important safety information.

Please:

• Verify your phone numbers and email addresses are current with your child's school. (Back to School Checklist)
• Make sure you are opted in to receive text messages (in ParentSquare).
• Please do not unsubscribe from district emails. During an emergency, email is one of our primary ways to provide families with timely, accurate updates.

Walla Walla Public Schools Nutrition Services Department is excited to offer all elementary school students one free breakfast and one free lunch during the 2026-27 school year. Free meals are able to be offered through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Meals for Washington Students (House Bill 1238).

Nutrition Services Department